So You Caused a Car Accident

If you’ve ever caused a car accident, you know it’s not a fun experience. Aside from the potential for injury to yourself and others, there’s the hassle of dealing with insurance companies — that is, repairing damage and worrying about how much your premiums will increase. Also, what happens if you get sued?

In the U.S., about 1.4 billion cars are registered. That means that if just 1% of those cars are in accidents yearly, that’s still over 14 million accidents.

Of those 14 million accidents, 52% of personal injury lawsuits are caused by automobile accidents. So if you’re one of the unlucky few who has caused an accident, you could face serious legal trouble.

What Should You Do If You’re in a Car Accident?

If you cause a car accident, you will be held liable for any damage or injury caused. That means the other driver could sue you or their insurance company. You’ll have to pay damages if they are successful in their lawsuit. These damages include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.

In some cases, you may also be charged with a misdemeanor traffic offense as may be indicated in the traffic law. A conviction for an ILSA crime can result in a sentence of six months in jail. Additionally, you may get fines of up to $1,000.

So if you’ve caused an accident, it’s essential to seek legal counsel as soon as possible to protect your rights.

You can also do the following:

• Seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t think you’re injured. Some injuries, like whiplash, may not present themselves until days or weeks after the accident.
• Exchange information with the other driver, including insurance information. Do not admit fault at the scene of the accident.
• Take pictures of the damage to both vehicles.

What Damage Does The Insurance Cover After You Cause an Accident?

If you have comprehensive insurance, your insurance company will pay for the repairs to your vehicle minus your deductible. If the other driver caused the accident, their insurance company should pay for your rehabilitation. However, if the other driver does not have insurance or is underinsured, you may have to rely on your insurance. In this case, you would claim your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This coverage is optional in some states, but it’s a good idea to have it because it can protect you in case of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.

If you are injured in an accident that another driver caused, their insurance company should pay for your medical bills and any other damages you incur. However, if the other driver does not have insurance or is underinsured, you may have to rely on your insurance. You would claim your injury protection (PIP) coverage in this case. This coverage is optional in some states, but it’s a good idea to have it. Again, this is because it can protect you in case you are injured in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.

Suppose you cause an accident, and the other driver sues you. In that case, your insurance company will provide you with a lawyer and pay for any damages awarded to the other driver up to your policy limit. If the damages exceed your policy limit, you will be responsible for paying the rest.

So, if you cause an accident, the best thing to do is to contact your insurance company and let them know what happened. They will then guide you through making a claim and getting the repairs or compensation you are entitled to.

Wrapping Up

If you’re in an accident, the best thing to do is to contact your insurance company and let them know what happened. They will then guide you through making a claim and getting the repairs or compensation you are entitled to.