Articles, Car Accidents
What Happens If You Don’t Exchange Information After an Accident?
Perhaps one of the most fundamental steps after a car accident is to exchange information with the other driver involved – But, what happens if you don’t? You could face fines, criminal charges, and decrease the likelihood of obtaining compensation for your injuries.
In this post, we’ll outline the importance of gathering and exchanging information after a car crash, and what happens if you or someone else neglects this responsibility.
If you have suffered injuries because of someone else’s negligence, we are here to help. Sharif Gray has won millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements. Call us at (804) 915-1611 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We will get justice for you.
Potential Consequences For Not Exchanging Information After a Car Accident
Failure to stop and exchange information after a car accident can result in several legal complications. For example, suppose you leave the scene of a collision without giving your details. In that case, you could be charged with a hit and run, especially if there’s significant property damage or someone is injured.
Additionally, neglecting to exchange insurance information can result in claim processing delays, which could lead to you paying out of your own pocket for injuries. If you weren’t at fault, but don’t have the correct details from the other driver, it could even prevent you from pursuing damages.
Lastly, neglecting to exchange information can affect your driving privileges and insurance premiums.
What Information Am I Obligated to Exchange After An Accident?
Contact Information
These details include information like the name, address, and phone numbers of all people involved. Not only does this ensure that everyone can stay in touch, but it’s also essential for the insurance claims and legal process.
Car Insurance Company Information
In addition to personal information, you’ll need to exchange insurance details. This includes your and the other driver’s insurance company details, including their policy number. Taking this step allows you or your attorney to reach their insurance provider directly to discuss coverage and claim options.
Vehicle & DMV Information
Noting the make, model, and license plate number of the other vehicle is just as important as other types of information. If it’s possible, collect the driver’s information related to their vehicle registration directly from their insurance card – which may also include their license plate and other relevant vehicle information.
Eyewitness Information
Suppose there are witnesses to the accident. In that case, be sure to get their contact information before they leave the scene. Their official account of what happened may be instrumental in proving the merits of your insurance claim while helping you to recover maximum compensation.
A Minor Accident Occurred – Should I Still File a Police Report?
Minor accidents and fender benders may not seem significant enough to file a police report, but they are. A police report can provide an official record that the accident happened and serve as crucial evidence in cases where the other party later claims more injuries or damages than initially reported.
What to Avoid After a Car Accident in Virginia
The actions you take right after a car or truck accident can have a significant impact on your insurance claim and ability to pursue damages for your injuries. With that in mind, here are a few things drivers should avoid immediately after an accident:
- Failure to call the police – A police accident report is especially necessary if the accident happened on public property and resulted in serious injuries or damages.
- Not exchanging insurance information – Failure to exchange information can result in potential criminal and civil penalties, up to hit and run charges. This is why it’s important to get and give the insurance details (including insurance agent contact information) as soon as possible.
- Losing your composure – Be sure to remain calm. Losing your temper may affect your judgment and hinder your ability to handle the situation rationally.
- Prematurely admitting fault – Let your attorney and the insurance adjuster determine fault. Admitting blame at the scene of the crash could limit your ability to file an insurance claim or seek maximum compensation.
- Ignoring your insurance provider – Your insurance policy outlines how long you have to contact them after an accident. Waiting too long to reach them could complicate the claims process, especially if you didn’t get the other driver’s information.
- Failing to contact a car accident lawyer – Your attorney can advise you about how to handle interactions with insurance companies, when to settle vs go to trial, and how to make a claim under your UM coverage (if necessary).
Avoiding these common mistakes can save you a lot of headaches, time, and money – Ensuring your rights are protected and your personal injury case is resolved as smoothly and favorably as possible.
Contact RVA Trial Lawyers Today
If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to maximum compensation. Whether you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident, pedestrian collision, motorcycle accident, or car crash, an experienced Virginia personal injury lawyer can help you seek damages, even if the other driver neglected to exchange details.
At RVA Trial Lawyers, we’re here to walk you step-by-step through the claims process. That includes guiding you through your legal options, helping you obtain all necessary information after an accident, and ensuring you get the compensation you deserve.
From helping with insurance claims to navigating the ins and outs of small claims court, our attorneys are here to help you obtain the most favorable outcome in your accident case. Contact us today for your free initial consultation.
“We Get Justice For Injured People, and We Love What We Do”
We are not settlement lawyers. Sharif Gray has proven that he can and will get results in court, and the insurance companies know that. If you have suffered injuries because of someone else’s negligence, we can help.
Sharif is committed to trying cases well. Because of that, he does not handle hundreds of cases at a time. He is selective in the cases he takes so he can get justice for the people he represents. In every case, he has three goals:
- Hold the responsible corporation or individual fully accountable.
- Make the community safer, so others are not also harmed.
- Compensation that recognizes the full and fair value of what was taken from your health and quality of life.
We love what we do, and we are proud of the positive impact we have had and will continue to have on the people we represent and the community we live in.
If we can be of help to you, please do not hesitate to call us at (804) 915-1611 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We will get justice for you.
