So you’ve just been in a car accident, and the other driver is being downright rude about it. Perhaps you're being blamed for something that wasn’t your fault, or maybe the person is simply refusing to cooperate with you. But no matter what kind of response you get from the other driver, there’s one thing you can be sure of: You can't afford to react in a way that makes things worse for you. With the right approach, you might be able to make the situation right.
Gather
Evidence
As soon as you can, try to track
down any witnesses to the accident. Make sure you record their names, phone
numbers, and any information that they can provide. Some people might be able
to give a description of what happened, the other drivers’ (or pedestrians’)
names, and the license plate of any vehicles involved. And don’t forget to take
pictures of the scene. This evidence can be vital in determining who is at
fault. Photos can also be a game-changer in terms of negotiating with the other
driver’s insurance company.
Exchange
Contact Information
This may seem like a no-brainer, but
you’d be surprised how many people fail to exchange contact information with
other drivers after an accident.
If the other driver is being rude or combative, it’s important that you stay in
control of the situation. One of the best ways to do this is by remaining
polite, and sticking to your guns when it comes to exchanging information. By
having a way of contacting the other person, you have a much better chance of
protecting yourself from false claims.
Assess
the Damage
Now it’s time to see how bad the
damage is, and what repairs need to be done. You may want to consider getting
an estimate from a professional mechanic before having the other driver’s
insurance company do the repairs. As much as possible, try to keep the repairs
in-house, especially if the damage isn’t all that extreme. This can help you
keep the costs of the repairs low, and can work in your favor when dealing with
the other driver’s insurance company.
Be
Aware That You Might Need a Lawyer
If things get heated with the other
driver, or if the police get involved, you may want to consider hiring a car wreck attorney. There are a ton of factors that can affect this decision,
so it’s important that you do your research. For starters, you want to make
sure that you’re dealing with a legitimate claim. You also want to make sure
that you’re dealing with an attorney who actually specializes in car accident
cases. This way, you'll have someone guiding you through each step of the legal
process.
A car accident can be a very
emotional experience, but it’s important to stay level-headed throughout the
process. It’s also important that you know your rights and don't allow anyone
to swindle you. Despite how stressful a car accident is, having the right
mindset can help you get through it and make the best decisions possible.
