If you do not know who caused your car accident, contact the police. They can secure the scene and collect evidence to determine liability. Authorities can also investigate a hit and run case and help you identify the liable party.
Here, we answer the question, “What if I don’t know who caused my car accident?” by discussing what you can do in different situations. We will also cover how you can seek compensation for damages caused due to such collisions.
Things to Do If You Do Not Know Who Caused a Car Accident
When a car accident happens, it may be tough to determine the party that caused it. This process might be more challenging if the collision involves multiple vehicles.
Call the Police Right Away
Since different aspects can contribute to a crash, it is always advisable to contact the authorities. They may take statements from each party and witnesses at the scene. In addition, the responding offer may take pictures of the vehicle damage and injuries sustained.
Based on the information gathered at the scene, the police can then analyze the event and involve other professionals like accident reconstructionists to understand how the crash occurred.
Inform Your Insurance Company of the Accident
Another step you should take after a car accident if you do not know who caused it is contacting your insurer. After that, provide them with various details about the crash. These may include:
- The names of all drivers involved
- Their contact information
- License plate numbers
- Details of their insurance companies
- Time and location of the accident
Reaching out to your insurer after a car crash can help you determine who caused it when filing for compensation. You can also avoid losing the right to claim damages by reporting the incident within the required time.
What If the Accident Was a Hit and Run?
When an accident happens and the other party flees the scene, it constitutes a hit and run. Unfortunately, determining who caused a collision in such a case can be tricky. However, gathering information before leaving the scene can help you narrow down to the liable driver. Some of the details that may simplify solving a hit and run accident case are:
- The color of the vehicle
- Car model
- Unique aspects about it, such as a rust pattern
- The registration numbers
- The direction the driver fled
Another detail that can help determine who caused a hit-and-run accident is a description of the driver or passengers. It is always best to note down the color of their clothing and unique physical features. Such can include piercings, scars, tattoos, hair color, and race.
Identifying the party liable for a hit-and-run accident might take more time due to the complex nature of the investigation. Still, providing authorities with such information may speed up this process and help you get compensation in a shorter time.
Obtaining Compensation After a Car Accident
If an investigation helps you determine liability for a car accident, you can claim compensation through the other party’s insurance company. This process will require you to provide enough proof for causation and damages.
Here, you can use evidence such as:
- Traffic surveillance footage
- Witness statements
- Police reports
You may also rely on medical reports indicating that the injuries you sustained are consistent with the type of crash that occurred.
In case a car accident investigation cannot prove that another party caused the crash, you may seek compensation from your insurance company, depending on the policies you have.
Refrain From Posting About Your Car Accident on Social Media
If you do not know who caused your car accident, posting about the matter on social media might be tempting. While such may help you find the liable driver, it can also negatively affect your case.
Refrain from exposing details about your case to the public because it may affect your right to claim compensation for your damages and interfere with the investigation.
Reach Out to Loncar Lyon Jenkins to Determine Who Caused Your Accident
A lawyer at our firm can help you investigate your case and identify the party that caused the car collision. At Loncar Lyon Jenkins, we have a team of attorneys who can represent you as you pursue justice for your injuries.
They can also negotiate with the insurer on your behalf to help you obtain fair compensation. If you want assistance with determining who caused your car accident, call in the Strong Arm today. Our team will review your case for free.
