What Happens If You Don’t Exchange Information After an Accident?
In the immediate aftermath of a car accident, there are more than half a dozen different things you’ll need to do. From calling the police and seeking medical attention to taking photos of the scene and calling a car accident lawyer, make sure you do each one.
Exchanging contact information with the other driver or drivers involved in your accident is a crucial step. Skipping it could backfire.
So, what happens if you don’t exchange information after an accident for one reason or another? Check out the potential consequences below.
It Can Complicate the Insurance Claim Process
According to Consumer Affairs, about 4.2 auto insurance claims are filed each year for every 100 insured American drivers. If you’d like to file one of these claims after an accident, you’re welcome to do so. However, you’ll struggle to do this if you don’t exchange information with other drivers.
What happens if you don’t exchange information after an accident? If nothing else, not having this information handy will force your auto insurance company to find it by using the police report stemming from your accident. It could lead to the insurance claim process dragging on for longer than it should.
It Can Cause Legal Issues
Do you believe another driver didn’t take road safety seriously enough and was to blame for your car accident? You might have the option to file a car accident lawsuit against them in an attempt to recover compensatory damages. You’ll just need to track down a reputable car accident lawyer from a trusted law firm in Oklahoma City.
You’ll also need to have information for the at-fault driver to give to this lawyer to move forward with your case. Otherwise, they’ll have to wait to secure this information themselves. This could set off a host of legal issues, like not being able to file a claim and recover damages in a timely fashion.
It Can Make Recovering From an Accident Harder
If you sustained injuries in a car accident, recovering from them should take priority in your life following a crash. You might have a tough time making a full recovery if you’re constantly worried about the state of an insurance claim or an accident lawsuit.
To alleviate these issues, ask the other driver for their information on the scene of an accident right away whenever possible. This will prevent unnecessary delays in your insurance claim or accident lawsuit in the coming months.
Exchange Information With Other Drivers After an Accident and Give Us a Call
Figuring out what to do after an accident can present challenges. If you’re unsure which steps to take, let a car accident lawyer from Owens Law Office lead the way and make recovering from a crash less stressful. They can explain your legal options and ensure you don’t make any critical mistakes that could impact your ability to collect compensation in court.
Reach out to us at 405-608-0708 for additional answers to the question, “What happens if you don’t exchange information after an accident?” or complete our online form.
