If you borrow someone else’s car just to make a quick trip to the store, you do not expect to find yourself in an auto accident. Even if you are not to blame for the crash, you may be confused because you do not know who is liable for the accident and who has to cover the cost of the damages caused by the crash. You need to maintain evidence and do some research to understand how to proceed after the crash.
Damages You Might See
There are various damages that could result even if it was a minor fender bender. There are typical damages that the car may suffer, including scrapes, dings, and dents. The vehicle could suffer mechanical damages as well. As an example, if you were rear-ended, the crash could cause a ripple effect that goes through the entire vehicle.
You could end up seeing damage to the bumper, the trunk, the taillights, exhaust, and even the transmission. You will want to make sure a qualified automotive technician inspects the vehicle. Get a written repair estimate for fixing the damages and be sure to get photos of the damages and of the accident scene.
There could also be physical injuries. If you were rear-ended, you could suffer neck and back injuries from the whip-like back and forth motion that you are thrown into during the crash. You should establish medical care right away, and maintain thorough documentation, such as medical records, medical bills, proof of missed work and lost wages, medical excuses, and so forth. You need to add up all the damages and come up with the total of the damages suffered in the crash.
Who Is Liable For The Damages?
In general, the liability for the damages will follow the owner of the vehicle. However, if there were personal injuries that involve medical bills and lost wages, these damages may be the responsibility of the driver who was at-fault for the crash depending on the negligence laws of your state.
Always call the police and make sure an accident report is filed. Be sure to maintain supporting evidence and documentation for your claim to show the total of your losses.
What To Do
The first thing you should do after such an accident is to speak with an attorney. You should gather evidence including the accident report, photos, witness statements, repair estimates, medical documentation, proof of lost wages, and any medical bills. The more evidence that you can gather, the more likely you are to succeed with your claim and to prove your total damages.
Get A Free Case Evaluation Today
It is possible that different amounts – or different damages – may be paid by different people. If that is the case, an attorney will help you make a claim and work with the insurance companies to recover compensation for the losses that you suffered because of the accident on your quick trip to the store. You can maximize the value of your claim when you are represented by a personal injury attorney.
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