You always hear that, following a car accident, it is imperative you get the contact information for the other driver, as well as his or her insurance information. However, mistakes happen, and when you are under pressure in a high-stress and emotional situation, you may not get the information fully or completely.
What happens if, while writing the other person’s insurance information down, you only get part of it? Will that prevent you from filing a claim? We have asked attorney, Alaina Sullivan, about what you should do. Here is what she had to say:
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
After a car accident, it is important you obtain as much information as you can to help your insurance company settle the claim. This information includes the information about the other driver, including their name, contact information and insurance information.
You should also take pictures of the scene, get names and contact information of witnesses and contact the police. If you have any concern about the other driver not being forthcoming and providing you his or her information, you should contact the police, as they can help expedite this process quickly and without drama.
A police report is the best way to get the other person’s information, including insurance information. However, at minimum, you can at least get correct contact information and the other person’s vehicle license plate number, making it easier for you to locate the other driver if the insurance information they provided you is incomplete.
Incomplete Information
Unfortunately, if you do not get the complete information on the other driver and you have no other way to reach them to complete the missing information, you may be out of luck. This means you would have to file a claim on your own policy.
A lot of drivers give false information to purposefully hide from having to pay for the accident. Try to put together as much as information as you can and give that to your insurance company in hopes that you can reach the other driver. If not, you may find yourself paying out of pocket for damages.
Your Insurance Coverage
If you do not have the insurance information for the other driver, you may be covered by your own insurance policy. If you have comprehensive insurance, you would be covered for hit and run accidents or vandalism. If you have collision coverage, you can be covered for incidents where you cannot trace the driver who is at-fault. In addition, uninsured motorist coverage could be an option to help cover you.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage was created for situations where the other driver is not fully insurance, does not have insurance at all, or did not provide you the proper information. Uninsured motorist offers two different types of protection. Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage will help pay for your medical expenses caused from the crash.
It can cover you but also a family member who is driving your car. Uninsured motorist property damage coverage pays for property damage and repairs to your car caused by an uninsured driver. However, this type of uninsured motorist coverage is not available in all states. Uninsured motorist coverage is required by 21 states and the District of Columbia.
No-Fault Insurance
However, if you reside in one of the twelve states where no-fault insurance is the legal norm, you would not need the other driver’s insurance information no matter who was at fault. In these states, any driver involved in a car accident is legally required to file a claim on his or her own insurance policy.
The lack of complete information would not bar you from seeking compensation from your injuries, but this compensation would come from your own policy or coverage. These states include Florida, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Dakota and Utah.
Contact an Attorney Today
If you have been involved in a car accident and you were only able to get part of the other driver’s insurance information, you should contact an attorney today to discuss your case if you do not currently have a lawyer or have any questions.
A licensed personal injury attorney will be able to evaluate your case and determine if you have a claim against the other party’s insurance company. To receive the compensation for your medical bills, property damages, and pain and suffering, you should speak with a personal injury attorney in your area today.
