If you’re involved in a car accident where you are not at fault, you’ll need to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Following are the necessary steps that we need to take:
Ensure Safety:
The most important step is to make sure of the safety of the passengers. If there are injuries, seek medical attention immediately and call the police to report the accident.
Exchange Information:
It is also useful to get the details like contact and insurance information of the other driver. Collect details such as their name, phone number, address, driver’s license number, and their insurance company name and policy number.
Gather Evidence:
Take photos and gather evidence at the scene. This includes photos of the accident, the vehicles involved, the location, and any road conditions. It can be crucial for proving fault.
Witness Information:
Collecting the information about the witnesses serves us greatly when we need to prove “not-at-fault” party.
File a Police Report:
If the police were called to the scene, they will create an accident report. If not, you should still consider filing a report at the nearest police station.
Notify Your Insurance Company:
Even though you’re not at fault, it’s a good idea to inform your own insurance company regarding the accident. They can help guide you through the process, and if the at-fault driver is uninsured, your own insurance may cover the damages through your uninsured motorist coverage.
Contact the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Company:
Call the at-fault driver’s insurance company to report the accident. Provide them with the details of the accident, the other driver’s information, and your contact details. Be honest and factual in your description.
Obtain a Claim Number:
The insurance company will assign a claim number to your case. Make sure to write this down and keep it for reference.
Estimate the Damage:
Get a repair estimate from a trusted auto repair shop. Some insurance companies have preferred repair shops, and you may want to consider using one of these if available.
Negotiate the Settlement:
The at-fault driver’s insurance company should work with you to assess the damage and provide compensation. If you’re not satisfied with the initial offer, be prepared to negotiate. You have the right to be compensated for the full cost of repairs, medical bills, and other damages caused by the accident.
Keep Records:
Throughout the process, maintain records of all communication, including phone calls and emails, as well as any expenses related to the accident.
Consider Legal Advice:
If the at-fault driver’s insurance company is uncooperative or if the damages are significant, you may want to consult with an attorney who specializes in personal injury cases or car accident cases.
Remember that the process of filing and settling a claim can vary depending on the insurance companies involved, your location, and the specifics of the accident, and the specific circumstances of the accident. It’s important to stay patient, document everything and keep records, and seek legal advice if necessary to ensure you receive fair compensation for the damages you’ve suffered. Thorough documentation will support your claim and help ensure a smoother claims process.
Accident Claim Assist is Australia’s leading service provider for accident claims and fleet mobility solutions for individuals and collision repair centers.
We have a proven track record of working successfully with some of Australia’s leading industry names and pride ourselves in offering agile and flexible solutions to meet the ever-changing needs of our customers.
Our focus is on returning the vehicle to our customer in its prior to the accident condition after duly following the manufacturer’s repair guidelines. Along with this, keeping the customer mobile for the duration of the repair process offers a refreshing alternative compared to our competitors. This benefits our customers, our partners, and the wider motor industry. With over 10 year experience, we’re here to help!
We manage over 10,000+ motor accidents for our customers each year, offering a hassle-free service including towing, repair work by industry professionals, replacement vehicle and free consultation through our recommended solicitors as required by you.
Utilizing our in-house platform gives us the ability to ensure a seamless and secure transfer of information between our team and our supplier network which makes sure the whole process is fast and simple.