Car Accidents 101: What Happens If You Don't Get The Other Driver's Insurance Info?

Many people are more comfortable traveling by road than other avenues (such as trains or airplanes), but the truth is that car accidents are exceedingly common. On a national level, thousands of accidents occur every day. Despite how relatively common they are, many drivers are unsure how to handle accidents when they do occur. Our traffic lawyers at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to help.

What You Should Do When You Get In An Accident

There is a certain protocol drivers should follow after they have been in a car accident. As a general rule, drivers who have been in an accident should always:
  • Call the police.
  • Exchange names and insurance information with the other driver(s).
  • Take pictures of the accident and associated damage.
  • Get names/contact information of any witnesses.
  • Remain at the scene of the accident until all necessary business has been attended to.

By following this general procedure, you can help ensure that you will have all the information you need to secure the highest possible amount of compensation for your accident.

The Biggest Mistake Drivers Make

When drivers fail to follow the prescribed protocol, getting compensation for their accidents/injuries will likely become much more challenging. Often, the biggest mistake drivers make is neglecting to contact the police or exchange insurance information with the other driver(s). Unfortunately, drivers make this mistake every day, for a variety of different reasons:
  • They may not have insurance and don't want to get in trouble with the police.
  • They may not want to file a claim with their insurance company and risk paying higher premiums.
  • They may not want the accident going on their driving record.
  • They may still be in high school and not want their parents to find out about the accident.
  • They may think that the accident was minor enough that it is not necessary to get the police/insurance companies involved.

What Happens When Drivers Make This Mistake?

Though it may be tempting in the moment to avoid calling the police and filing a claim with your insurance company, the consequences of neglecting to do so can be severe. 

Not Contacting The Police
Even if you know you were not at fault for the accident, it can be hard to get compensation without a police report. In an effort to avoid paying increased premiums, the at-fault driver may try to claim that you in fact caused the accident. Without a police report, it's simply your word against the other driver's.

Not Exchanging Insurance Information
If you do not get the other driver's insurance information, it can be impossible to know who to contact regarding compensation for your damages. Even if the at-fault driver offers to pay for your damages out of pocket, it is often unwise to accept. Drivers often fail to recognize the extent of the damages or injuries immediately following the accident, but if you have filed a claim with the insurance company, you may be able to get continued compensation for future expenses as they arise. If you are simply compensated out of pocket, however, you won't have any recourse for future expenses.

Been In An Accident? Contact PMCW Law For Representation!

If you have been in a car accident at the Lake of the Ozarks, it may be beneficial to seek representation from an experienced traffic attorney in Camden County MO. Our team would be happy to assist you in any way we can, from negotiating with the insurance company to helping you take action against the offending driver. For more information about our traffic law services at the Lake of the Ozarks, call our firm at 573-346-7231.
Law Offices of Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter, & Welch, P.C.
The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertising. When you need a knowledgeable attorney, we invite you to contact us to set up a consultation. Evening and weekend appointments are available. We have access to interpreters.

We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.

85 Court Circle N.W., P.O. Box 559
Camdenton, MO 65020   GET A MAP
(573) 346-7231 - Telephone
(888) 236-2485 - Toll Free
(573) 346-4411 - Fax

Like Us on Facebook
Location: Camdenton, MO 65020, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

5 Reasons To Hire A Criminal Defense Attorney

Image
Criminal charges can turn your life upside down. If you are found guilty, you can suffer numerous consequences, including fines, imprisonment, and effect on your permanent record. If you are facing criminal charges, hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney can make a world of difference. Consider these reason why you should hire a criminal defense lawyer to represent your case. 1. Your Attorney Understands The Law It's no secret that the legal field is complex. Every law has exceptions, and every circumstance has different specific requirements. You need a criminal defense attorney that has experience dealing with these minute details and can help you use them to build a solid case. 2. Your Attorney Knows The Scene The Missouri Courts are like a world of their own. Each court has its own set of rules, social norms, and strict guidelines governing what behavior is and is not acceptable. If this is your first court case, you can not possibly know all of these unspo
Read more

Legal Tips to Be Aware of When Entering Into a Marriage

Image
Congratulations! It is 2019 and this is the year you are getting married. Among all of the wedding planning, you probably haven't had time to think about the legal side of getting married. While it is not the most glamorous side, it is worth taking a look into. For example, has your fiance brought up the notion of signing a prenuptial agreement (prenup)? It is best to know what all comes with a prenuptial agreement and the advantages and disadvantages of choosing to sign one. Our attorneys at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to give you a few legal tips to be aware of when entering into a marriage. If you find yourself need a prenuptial agreement drawn up, call Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter, and Welch   today for your free consultation at 573-346-7231. Legal Tips to Be Aware of When Entering Into a Marriage Do You Plan to Legally Change Your Name After You Get Married? If you plan to change your legal name after marriage, here is what you need to do. According to the Misso
Read more

Consequences Of Having A Criminal Record

Image
If you are facing criminal charges, it is imperative that you contact one of our criminal defense attorneys in Camden County MO immediately. Criminal law is complex and involved, and representing yourself can be challenging, overwhelming, and risky. Regardless of whether or not you actually committed the crime in question, being found guilty can negatively impact your life for years to come. Here is a look at some of the consequences that may result from having a criminal record. Difficulty Getting Accepted Into Schools Schools have a moral and ethical responsibility to keep their students, faculty, and staff safe. On the applications for almost every university or college, applicants must list whether or not they have been convicted of a crime in the past. If the answer is yes, the applicants may experience greater difficulty getting accepted into the schools of their choice. These challenges pursuing higher education may, in turn, make it more difficult to find quality
Read more