Car accidents are common. So common that according to the National Safety Council 42,060 people died in 2020 from a motor vehicle accident. Some of the highest number of deaths by state were Arkansas, Connecticut, and the District of Columbia, in that order.
Whether it is your fault or the other person’s fault, it is never a good time when something like a car accident occurs. But, if you have been in a car accident and it is your fault you may be wondering, what happens now?
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If you are at fault for a car accident then your liability insurance should pay for the other car’s damages and doctor bills, if there are any. Unless you are in a no-fault state, which in that case then each person’s car insurance will pay for their own medical expenses. When it comes to damage of the car though, your liability insurance should pay for those damages. Your liability insurance will not cover damages made to your own car. You may need to get a special kind of insurance for that like collision insurance or personal injury protection, if you want your car covered when you are at fault for the accident.
After you get into a car accident and you are at fault then your car insurance rates will most likely go up. This varies on the state that you live in and how much damage was caused to the other person’s car. Thankfully, the increase is temporary, lasting anywhere from three to five years. Some car insurance companies offer accident forgiveness. In this case your rates may not go up at all.
If you do get into a car accident and it is your fault make sure to stay calm. You will want to move the cars out of the intersection to ensure other’s safety. Make sure to contact the proper authorities. Having a police report will help your insurance companies determine who is at fault, and who knows, maybe it will work in your favor. Also, try and take pictures of the accident, if you can, and get any witness statements as well.
The insurance companies will make their own conclusion about whose fault the car accident is. Therefore, it is extremely important that you do not claim fault for the accident. If the police are there, just give them the facts. Try to avoid saying these words because in some cases it could go in your favor.
As soon as you can, you will want to call your insurance company and tell them the facts of what happened. Remember that everyone has their own story of what has happened and some people may exaggerate more than others. If you are having trouble getting the facts across to your insurance company it may be smart to hire a car accident attorney to help you through the process.
Remember, car accidents are more common than you think. So, it is important that you do not beat yourself up too much about it. But, always make sure that you get the proper legal help if you need it. You may not be as “at fault” as you think you are.
