Always insist that the crash be reported to law enforcement so that a law enforcement officer can complete the appropriate forms. In the past, my office has received calls from injured accident victims who did not call the police because they felt bad for the at fault driver or they were in a rush. This may greatly reduce the value of your personal injury claim because the negligent party may change their story as to what really happened and try to blame you for causing the accident.
I advise you not to negotiate a payment agreement with the other parties to settle damages. Doing it on your own without a crash report from a law enforcement officer could result in your not being fully compensated for damages and can expose you to personal liability since no official report of the crash exists and circumstances become your word against theirs. Other suggestions include:
- Make sure the investigating officer records complete insurance information on the crash report.
- Report the crash to your insurance company immediately or within the time specified by your policy.
- Never personally confront an at-fault party with demands as you may be dealing with a violent person. Allow your insurance company to handle that.
Questions & Answers
Is personal injury protection insurance required after January 1, 2008?
What type of automobile insurance coverage is required for a person causing a crash?
I was injured in a car accident while I was a passenger in an automobile in Florida. The other car was at fault. The driver or owner of the car that I was in do not have auto insurance. I don’t own a car or live with anyone who owns a car. If the car that caused the accident has auto insurance, will that cover my bodily injury?
Is my personal injury claim/lawsuit worth less money if I did not wear my seat belt and I was hurt?