Car accidents can be stressful and difficult periods in our lives. This is even more so if you are at fault in the car accident. The important thing is that you do not worry too much about it and stress yourself out.
We are here to help you know where you stand and what happens if you are at fault in a car accident.
What happens if you are at fault in a car accident
As difficult as it may be, you may be found at fault in the incident. Accidents happen, but unfortunately we have to deal with the aftermath. To ensure that this is done smoothly and calmly, there are a few things that you should know.
What happens when you are at fault in an accident will depend massively on whether you are in a no fault state or a fault state at the time of the accident. These types of states have different rules and processes when it comes to dealing with a car accident,
What is a no fault state?
If you are in a no fault state, then each person’s car insurance will cover the costs of damages or injuries in the event of an accident.
What is a fault state?
If you are in a fault state, then the person who caused the accident or who is found at fault is liable to cover the costs of the damages of anyone and everyone involved and injured in the car accident.
In most of the United States, they are fault states, which means you will be liable and responsible for the other drivers damages and injury costs if you are at fault in the car accident.
This means that when you cause an accident, the other driver will be able to file a claim with your insurance company to cover the costs of their damages.
What should I do after a car accident?
If you are part of a car accident, then there are a few things that you will need to do at the scene of the incident. The first and most important step that you take is that you stop at the scene. If you do not stop after a car accident, then you may be charged for a hit and run.
Therefore, it is vital that you stop in a safe place, out of the way from traffic. You should then check to see if anyone or yourself is injured, and call 911 if you need immediate medical help or assistance. Once you have assured everyone involved is okay, you will want to report the car accident to the police, and wait for them to arrive and file a report.
Then, you will need to exchange your insurance and contact information with the other drivers involved, and you may want to take notes of the vehicle and the registration of the other cars.
You will also need to document the scene, take pictures of the positioning of the vehicles, any injuries that you may have, or any vehicle damage that may have taken place. Without gathering this evidence, you may struggle to get insurance payouts to cover the costs of the damages.
In addition, you may have to deal with a ticket from the police if you caused the accident due to negligent or reckless driving. It may be tempting to not call the police at the accident because you know you are at fault, and will get a ticket, but the repercussions are far more serious.
If you are at fault in the accident, and you are in a fault state, then your insurance policy will be liable for covering the costs of damages, vehicle damages and medical bills. You will therefore have to inform your insurance company as soon as possible after the incident, and provide relevant details and information pertaining to the car accident.
Additionally, if you are at fault, then you may want to find an attorney to help you. A car accident lawyer can also help you get the money you need from your insurance policy provider to help pay medical bills, fix vehicle damages for yourself and move on with your life.
What damages are covered if you cause a car accident?
If you are found to be responsible for a car accident, then you may be seen as negligent or you could have been driving dangerously. This means that you are liable for damages caused.
These damages could be either medical bills or the costs for treatments and medications. In addition, damages can include any costs for vehicle damages and repairs, or any lost wages or personal suffering and pain you may have caused another driver due to the incident.
What about your own car damages?
Whilst your insurance may be liable for the other driver’s damages, you are also liable for your own damages after a car accident.
If you have collision coverage with your insurance company as part of your insurance policy, then you will be covered, and the costs of the damage to the vehicle is covered by this.
That being said, there will be a deductible, or a certain sum of money that you will need to pay so that the insurance policy can be used to cover the damages.
For instance, if there is $3,000 worth of damage to your vehicle after an accident, and you have a $500 deductible in your policy, then you would have to pay the $500, and then the insurance would cover the rest of the costs to fix the vehicle.
Summary
Being part of an accident can be quite scary, and can make everyone involved feel anxious and stressed out. The thing to remember is that you have to remain calm, breathe and focus on assessing the situation and solving the problem.
If you file a police report, gather all of the details of those drivers involved, and take care to gather evidence of the accident and information about your insurance company, then the accident can be resolved easily and quickly.
