While you might not really think about it until you face the situation yourself, no contact car accidents happen more often than you think. In a no contact car crash, a phantom car will cause the crash either by no contact or a slight bump, and then take off acting as if he or she had no role in the resulting crash.
When this happens, it is challenging to prove that the other driver caused the crash or even played a role in what happened. In this situation, you need to know what to do to make sure your rights are protected and to make sure your claim is covered by your auto insurance carrier.
What To Do After A No Contact Car Accident in Texas
Try to remember as many details as you can about the accident. You need to know the make, model, and color of the vehicle. If possible, get the tag number. Unfortunately, these crashes happen too quickly for the driver to get the needed details about the phantom driver so he or she can be tracked down.
A corroborating witness can help you, but often, they are traveling behind you and cannot get many more details than you can provide, so the driver still cannot be identified. Sometimes, without hard evidence, the auto insurance company will say that the crash was all your fault and there is no proof of another driver and your insured motorist claim will be denied.
Check Your Auto Insurance Policy
You need to check your auto insurance policy and see what it says about phantom car accidents. Most policies require that you call the police and report the crash, making sure an accident report is filed.
You might have a set timeframe in which to file the claim with your insurance carrier. Often, this is within a 72-hour period. If you don’t follow those guidelines, your claim will be denied, and the insurance company will have solid ground based on the wording of the policy.
What To Do After A Crash
If you have been involved in a no contact car accident in Texas, you should stay on the scene of the accident. Make sure you report the crash to local police. Get statements from any eyewitnesses. Try to remember as many details as possible about the other vehicle. Get medical care.
Keep and evidence and documentation to support your claim. That means keep medial records, medical bills, proof of lost wages and missed work, written repair estimates for fixing your car, and so forth. You will need to be able to show what damages you suffered because of the accident.
Consult With A Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been involved in a no contact car accident in Texas, you should talk with a personal injury attorney. You want to make sure you get your claim on track in a timely manner, as a statute of limitations does apply. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form today, so you can get your case reviewed by an accident injury lawyer.
