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.

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