What to Do if Someone Hits Your Car?

Getting into a car accident can be a shocking and stressful experience. Even a relatively minor collision can leave you feeling rattled and unsure of how to proceed. It’s important to keep a clear head and know the proper steps to take after your car has been hit. Following the right procedures can help ensure your safety, protect your rights, and smooth the process of claiming compensation for damages. This guide will walk you through the key actions to take if another driver hits your vehicle.

Table of Contents

1. Immediate Actions Post-Collision: Safety First!

The first priority after any car accident is to make sure you and your passengers are unharmed. Even if the collision seems minor, the rush of adrenaline can mask injuries, so take a moment to assess your physical condition. If you are able to move safely, get yourself and any passengers away from traffic to avoid being hit again. Activate your hazard lights to alert other drivers. If anyone is injured or you don’t feel it’s safe to move your vehicle, call 911.

Providing first aid and seeking medical attention should take precedence over other steps if injuries are serious. Don’t try to “tough it out” with pain or symptoms of concussion, shock, or internal injuries. GET evaluated by emergency responders or doctors. Your health comes before financial and insurance concerns.

2. The Importance of Reporting: Not All Collisions are Major

A common question after a minor fender bender is whether it’s necessary to report the incident at all. While the damage may appear superficial, there are good reasons not to just drive away:

Leaving the scene without exchanging info is illegal in most states and can result in fines or charges if the other driver reports you.
There may be unseen damage that could affect the safety of your car.
Injuries like whiplash sometimes emerge hours later.Reporting creates a record in case pain or problems show up afterwards.
It protects you in case the other driver later claims more extensive damages or injuries occurred.

Even a scratch or dent should be reported to your insurance company. Many policies require notification of any accident, no matter how small. Failure to do so can jeopardize your coverage. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and report.

3. Gathering the Necessary Evidence: Your Backup in Disputes

Collecting evidence is crucial because it can help establish who was at fault and protect you in case of disputes. Try to gather the following:

Take photos of the damage to both vehicles, accident location, skid marks, and any injuries. Take wide shots and close-ups from multiple angles.
Video footage from dash cams, surveillance cameras, or eyewitness cell phones. Look for security cameras on nearby buildings that may have captured the incident.
Contact info for the other driver and any passengers, including names, phone numbers, addresses, and insurance details.
License plate numbers and descriptions of vehicles.
Witness accounts, ideally in writing but at minimum names and numbers. Police reports carry more weight.
Any citations issued. Note traffic signs, signals, or conditions at the scene.

Thoroughly documenting evidence shields against fraudulent claims and supports your insurer’s investigation. If possible, only leave the scene once police have arrived and cleared you to go.

4. Navigating the Gray Areas: Determining Fault

There are often gray areas around who was at fault in an accident. Common misconceptions include:

Rear-end collisions are always the rear driver’s fault – Not necessarily true if the lead driver stopped abruptly without cause.
The driver who was issued a ticket is automatically at fault – Tickets do not always align with ultimate fault determination.
You are partly to blame if you hit a stationary object or parked car – Only if you were driving recklessly.

Many factors influence fault, like adherence to traffic laws and signs, driving conditions, vehicle speeds, and more. Insurance companies make fault decisions based on the evidence.

Being found fully or partially at fault can result in consequences like higher premiums. In complex cases, consulting an attorney may be advisable before making any verbal or written statement about the accident. Know your rights.

5. Insurance Claims: Navigating the Paperwork

Filing an insurance claim kicks off the process of being compensated for damages and injury costs. Here are tips for smooth sailing:

Report the accident ASAP to your insurer. Provide only factual statements. Delayed notification can impact claim validity.
Keep copies of all paperwork and communications. Track who you spoke with and when.
Itemize all expenses related to the collision, including car repairs, medical bills, lost wages from missed work, car rental fees, etc.
Send demand letters citing evidence and damages if settlement offers seem unreasonable.
Be cooperative with adjusters’ requests but don’t rush into accepting an offer you’re dissatisfied with. Hire legal help if needed.

Staying proactive with documentation can get your claim settled promptly and fairly. Don’t hesitate to push back against lowball offers.

6. Coping Mechanisms: Beyond the Physical Damage

Along with material losses, car accidents can take a psychological toll. Anxiety while driving is common after collisions. Some experience nightmares, flashbacks, irritability and sleep issues. Seeking counseling is wise, as untreated post-crash trauma can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder.

Processing the emotional impact can take time. Support groups connect you with other survivors who empathize. Look into victim assistance programs which provide free counseling and assistance services. Therapies like EMDR and cognitive behavioral therapy are effective treatments.

Don’t struggle alone in the aftermath of an accident. Take initiative to address both physical and mental well-being using the many resources available. The road to recovery has many lanes.

7. Hit and Runs: A Different Beast Altogether

Hit and run accidents present a uniquely distressing scenario as the responsible party flees the scene. If you have been struck:

Call 911 immediately and file a police report. Provide any details possible on the fleeing vehicle. Alert nearby businesses in case their security cameras captured footage.
Seek treatment for any injuries right away, for medical record purposes.
Contact your insurer about potential Uninsured Motorist coverage options. Also check if you have Med Pay coverage.
Check the vicinity for pieces of the car that may have broken off, like mirrors or trim. They could aid police in identifying the at-fault driver.

The sense of violation from a hit and run can be emotionally challenging. Counseling resources geared towards crime victims can help in processing feelings. Know that evidence and authorities can still hold hit and run drivers accountable.

8. Repairing Your Vehicle: Getting Back on the Road

Choosing the right auto repair shop is critical after an accident. Consider these factors:

Look for shops certified by ASE, an industry group that verifies training standards.
See if the facility offers guaranteed work and handles all insurer paperwork directly. This simplifies the process greatly.
Ask if OEM or aftermarket parts will be used. OEM parts better retain a vehicle’s value.
Confirm warranty coverage in case you uncover issues later. Reputable shops stand behind their work.

Thoroughly review any estimates before approving repairs. Make sure they reflect all collision-related damage. Watch out for “lowball” authorizations from insurers. You can negotiate or provide supporting documentation if their assessment seems incomplete.

Ensuring quality workmanship and staying engaged puts you back on the road safely. Don’t just leave matters in the hands of shops and insurers alone.

Conclusion:

Being struck by another vehicle can leave you both rattled and unsure about next steps. Stay focused on doing what’s necessary to protect your rights and well-being. Prioritize safety and medical needs first. Gather evidence thoroughly and let your insurer handle settling liability questions. Seek both auto repair shops and therapies you’re fully comfortable with. While an accident creates hassles and stress, maintaining your initiative and sense of empowerment can get you through this challenging experience. Stay informed to navigate every turn carefully.

FAQs:

Q: Is it always necessary to call the police after a minor hit?

A: Police reports are advisable but not always mandatory in minor collisions where vehicles can still be safely driven and no one seems injured. Use your judgment based on damage extent. Still exchange info and notify insurers.

Q: What if I don’t have all the required evidence at the time of the accident?

A: Make note of what you can at the scene, like names and contact info. Follow up later via phone or certified letter to request insurance details and written accounts from the other driver and witnesses whose info you captured. Visual evidence can still be gathered later if the scene was already cleared.

Q: Can I choose my repair shop, or does my insurance company decide?

A: Yes, you have the right to select any licensed repair shop you are comfortable with, and even have the vehicle towed there directly from the scene. Insurers can make recommendations but cannot require you to use any particular shop.

Q: How long after the accident can I file a claim?

A: Time limits vary by state but are usually 1-3 years. However, it is best to file immediately as delays can complicate the claims process and weaken your case as memories fade and evidence disappears.

Q: What actions should I avoid at the accident scene?

A: Departing before police arrive, admitting fault, signing any documents on-site, accepting initial settlement offers, and leaving without gathering contact/insurance details. Also avoid confronting the other driver aggressively.