A no-contact accident can occur when a driver’s action causes you to crash without you hitting the at-fault driver’s auto which does not touch your vehicle, but s/he is still responsible for your crash taking place. One typical example of a no contact accident is when a driver in front of you merges into your lane and then hits the brakes without prior warning. This causes you to have to hit your brake to avoid a rear-ender. This could end up in you being rear ended by the auto behind you. If this has happened to you and you have the evidence to prove it was not your fault, you may be able to file a personal injury claim for compensation from the at-fault driver.
What is an Auto Claim?
A personal injury claim for a no-contact auto accident is filed when the victim of the accident believes s/he is eligible for compensation from the at- fault driver. If the claim is accepted the PI compensation will be paid by the insurer of the at-fault driver. Before this can take place the insurer has to be satisfied that the at-fault driver caused the no contact accident. Personal injury compensation covers the cost of the following:
- all medical treatment for the victims of the accident;
- any damage to the auto;
- lost wages or other earnings;
- a calculation made for pain and suffering;
- punitive damages if negligence can be proved without a reasonable doubt.
When a no contact auto accident occurs the first thing the victim has to do is to gather together all the evidence proving fault. This can include all or any of the following:
- the police report describing the accident and who is to blame;
- receipts for medical treatment;
- doctor’s report of the victims’ injuries and recovery times;
- photographs taken at the accident site showing the vehicles involved in the no contact accident;
- footage, if available, retrieved from surveillance cameras;
- written and signed reports from reliable eye witnesses.
Why is a Police Report Important in a No Contact Auto Accident?
A police report provides is a non biased written document that the insurer of the at-fault driver will use to confirm fault when a PI claim is filed. The facts in the police report typically include the following:
- a detailed description of damage to the autos involved in the no contact accident;
- the date and time of the no contact accident;
- the injuries that occurred to the drivers and passengers;
- the place where the no contact accident occurred;
- written, signed statements from witnesses of the no contact accident.
It is never that easy winning a successful personal injury claim unless you ask a PI attorney to work on your behalf.
Speak with an Attorney
An experienced personal injury lawyer will assess the evidence you have provided and when the claim is ready file it with the at- fault driver’s insurer. You have a far higher chance of winning compensation if an attorney works on your behalf.
