What to Do if the Other Driver Doesn’t Report the Accident?
Posted by admin at 6 January 2024, at 15 : 15 PM
Being in a car accident is stressful enough without the other driver failing to properly report it. Unfortunately, this happens more often than you may think. Reasons range from the driver hoping to avoid increased insurance premiums to worrying their license may be revoked if they were in violation. Whatever the reason, you should take action to protect yourself both legally and financially if the other motorist doesn’t follow proper accident protocol.
Gather Information at the Scene
If the other driver seems hesitant to exchange insurance information or call the police, take down as much helpful data as possible while still at the accident scene. They may be uninsured, like 14 percent of drivers in 2022.
Be sure to document the other vehicle’s make, model, color, license plate number and any visible damage from the crash. Also, take pictures capturing images of the vehicle, driver and overall scene from different angles. If there are witnesses present, get their contact information too. All this will provide solid evidence that the accident occurred as you described if their report doesn’t match your account.
File a Police Report
Studies have shown that drivers who leave the scene are 2-9 times more likely to be intoxicated. Even if the other driver refuses to wait for the police to arrive, you should absolutely file an official report yourself. Provide the officers with all the details and documentation gathered at the scene. Be sure to get a copy of the police report for your records. Having an official account from law enforcement will go a long way in backing up your side of the story later.
Contact the Insurance Company
Speak to an attorney who specializes in car accidents and then call your insurance provider and give your account of what transpired, including that the other driver left without reporting the accident properly. Provide them with the evidence and police report you have assembled. The insurance company can run the other vehicle’s license plate to potentially identify the driver and their provider if they have insurance. This allows your insurance company to pursue reimbursement for damages caused by the other motorist.
Follow Up with Any Witnesses
Keep in contact with any witnesses from the scene that agreed to provide their information. Ask if they would be willing to give an official written statement regarding what they saw, as you continue building evidence to support the facts around the incident. Also, find out if they have been contacted by the other driver or their insurance company to provide any conflicting reports.
Hand Over Evidence to an Attorney
Provide your attorney with all the evidence compiled regarding the crash. Some states have specific laws and legal options pursued when an accident is not properly reported. An attorney can advise if small claims court, requesting a DMV hearing, or other legal filings would be beneficial regarding your individual case.
Stay Calm and Monitor Your Credit
As frustrating as having an accident go unreported may be, try to remain calm and know you took all the proper steps to protect your rights. Going forward, keep an eye out for communication from the other driver’s insurance or strange activity on your credit report. Unpaid damages they caused could potentially show up negatively there if pursued legally at some point. Just continue gathering evidence and work with professionals like the police, attorneys and your insurance adjuster. More often than not, the truth comes out over time.