If you’re unsure how to handle your car accident, you may want to speak with a personal injury attorney in Anderson. But generally, if you’re involved in a car accident, one of the first steps you should take is to exchange information with the other party.
What happens if you don’t exchange information after an accident? Failing to do this could prevent you from filing a claim with your insurance or a lawsuit in the event of more serious damage or injury. Find out how you can handle this situation.
What Information Should You Exchange After an Accident in Anderson, IN?
Drivers in Indiana are legally required to exchange certain information with everyone who was involved in the accident, including the following:
- Contact information (full name and address)
- Driver’s license information (including number)
- Vehicle registration number
- Insurance details
Drivers must submit their proof of insurance to the state Bureau of Motor Vehicles. It is also recommended that they take a photo of the other party’s license plate and share phone numbers.
If there were any witnesses, ask for their contact information. Your attorney in Anderson, IN, will try to contact them for their stories, so you don’t need to.
Only collect this information after you and all passengers are safe. If you are sent to the hospital, you can use the police report to gather this information.
What Happens If You Don’t Exchange Information After an Accident?
If you don’t exchange information after an accident, it could impact the compensation you receive. If you file a lawsuit or a claim with your insurance company, you might lose out on this.
Other times, the other driver may not claim responsibility or cover the expenses for your damage. This could leave you on the hook to cover the damage out of pocket.
What If the Other Driver Refuses To Exchange Information After an Accident?
Sometimes, it’s not your fault that you couldn’t exchange information. You might be dealing with a stubborn, negligent, or absent driver in Anderson, IN.
Missing Proof of Insurance
Drivers must submit proof of insurance to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles within ten days of the accident. An attorney can help you obtain this information if you need it for an insurance claim.
Calling the Police
In Indiana, if an accident causes injury, you must call the police. A motor vehicle traffic fatalities estimate report from 2023 shows a decrease in fatalities. Calling the authorities may lead to better outcomes for those involved in crashes in Anderson, IN.
Calling the police may also be a good idea if the other driver refuses to exchange information with you.
The officer will investigate the accident and draw up a report. This will include all the necessary information. The official police report will help you identify the other driver and provide important details when pursuing your claim.
Working With Insurance or a Personal Injury Lawyer
If the other driver leaves without exchanging information, you can file a claim through your policy’s uninsured motorist coverage. Usually, coverage requires information for the at-fault driver, but this coverage does not.
If you’re involved with a hit-and-run case, you can also file a lawsuit against the other party. A personal injury attorney can help you conduct an investigation, gather witness testimonies, and even review footage to find the party responsible for the accident.
Let Our Personal Injury Attorneys in Anderson, IN, Guide You Through the Claims Process
If you are involved in an auto accident, you are legally required to exchange certain information with the other people involved. If this doesn’t happen, you may be left wondering, “What happens if you don’t exchange information after an accident?”
Working with a personal injury lawyer can help you figure out what to do if you don’t have the necessary information about the other driver. They can even find and handle errors on a car accident police report so you have thorough documentation.
The experienced team at Stewart & Stewart Attorneys can help you determine the next steps for your individual claim. Were you in an accident in Anderson, IN? Schedule your free consultation by calling (765) 563-2584 today.