Seattle Injury Lawyer Blog
After being in a car accident that was caused by another driver, it is important that it is reported to the authorities. In addition, it is a good idea to report the accident to the insurance company of the driver who was at fault. Although the driver who caused the accident is required to report it to his or her insurance provider, those who are responsible for a crash aren’t necessarily motivated to do so.
It is important for all parties to get as much information as possible to help bolster their claims in the aftermath of a motor vehicle accident. It is advisable to take pictures, collect insurance information from other drivers involved and get witness statements from anyone who saw the crash occur. The report that is made to the insurance company should only state the facts in the case.
The insurance company will typically conduct its own investigation and the police will make a determination as to whether either driver broke the law. In some cases, the insurance company may need to look into the case itself before authorizing any repairs or paying for any damage that may have resulted from the crash. In the event that the other driver’s insurance company refuses to honor a valid claim, drivers should file claims with their own insurance company and let their insurer take steps to obtain reimbursement.
Those who are injured in a car crash that wasn’t their fault may be entitled to compensation for the damages that have been sustained. If, as is often the case, the insurance payments are insufficient to cover those losses, an injured victim may choose to obtain the assistance of an attorney in filing a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent driver.