What happens when you’re at fault in a car accident? 

Photo of author
Written By Berry Mathew

A car accident is always stressful but what do you do when you are at fault? No matter if you’re partially or fully responsible for the accident, there are certain steps that you need to take in order to mend matters before they get worse. The steps you’ll need to take will depend on your location, the insurance coverage that your car has, and the extent of fault you have. Regardless of the extent of the fault that you share for that specific accident, an attorney can make a big difference. 

Before you seek the help of a car accident lawyer, you may think that you’re not liable for any compensation just because you’re at fault. But this is not the case. Here are a few things that you should know about what happens when you’re at fault in a car accident. 

A car accident where you’re at fault – What needs to be done

The way in which you handle a car accident will be based on where you live. Nevertheless, there are at-fault and no-fault states. 

  • In case of fault states, the person who is at-fault is responsible for the damages cause to anyone who has sustained injuries in the accident
  • In case of no-fault states, each of the party’s car insurance policy should cover the damages

click here – What is 20 of 140? Find 20 Percent of 140 (20% of 140)

What damages will be covered in case you caused a car crash?

In case of personal injury,  when we say ‘damages’, we mean the losses that result from the collission where a person is negligence and careless. Such damages may include:

  • Damage to vehicles
  • Prescription medicines
  • Treatment costs and medical bills
  • Damages to pain and suffering
  • Lost wages

What to do if there is damage caused to your own vehicle

When you’re at fault, your car insurance policy will be responsible for the damage done to the other driver. But are you concerned about your own damage?

In case you already bought collision coverage as a part of your insurance policy, it should cover the damage done to the vehicle from the accident. Nevertheless, you are still liable to pay the lumpsum as deductible as this is the money you pay before the insurance company starts paying out. 

click here – 5 Ways You Can Amplify Your Media Coverage

Immediate steps to take after the car accident

Here are the steps that you need to take in order to safeguard your rights:

  • Stay safe and stay put

Stay put and ensure you’re out of the traffic so that the other approaching cars don’t face any problem in crossing the road. In case someone is killed or seriously ill, call 911.

  • Exchange details

Exchange insurance details, names of the drivers, and phone numbers of other drivers. You can even jot down the make and model of the vehicle and the license plate number. 

  • Inform the insurance company

Call your insurance company to inform them how the accident occured. Majority of the policies will demand you to inform everything to the insurer. If you don’t, you may miss out on the coverage. 

So, now that you know what to do in case of an accident where you are at fault, you should keep in mind the points mentioned above. 

Categories Law