You lend your car to your friend or child to run a quick errand and an hour later you receive a call alerting you that they ended up in a car accident. How will this incident impact you? What happens next?
Outlining Your Response
The initial on scene response to this type of accident should mirror that of any car accident. It may come as a shock to hear that your car was crashed, but be sure to check if the driver is okay before proceeding. Once you confirm they are okay, make sure you have them take photographs of the scene if you are unable to make it there yourself.
Report the Accident to Your Insurance Provider
Because the accident was caused by a driver other than yourself, you may hold the responsibility for starting the claim process with your insurance company. You only need to provide the basics here. Speculation on the driver at fault and the severity of any injuries should not be discussed yet. During this phase, it’s important to remember that insurance companies are not necessarily your advocate in these situations. If you want a trusted ally in your corner during this type of situation, you’d be better off trusting an experienced law office to represent your best interests.
Fixing the Damage
The good news is that you likely won’t have to worry about covering the other driver’s damages from the accident. That is generally covered under liability insurance policies. If your own vehicle is damaged in the accident, however, you will have to pay a deductible in order to get the damage repaired. Drivers in this situation are free to negotiate reimbursement with the person who crashed their vehicle, but that agreement would be made between you two, apart from the insurance company.
Are You Dealing with the Aftermath of a Car Crash? We Can Help.
If you or a loved one experienced an injury during a car accident, you deserve a skilled attorney who will get you the compensation that you deserve as a result of your car accident claim. Consult with an experienced attorney like those of the Law Office of Elizabeth A. Lawrence today by clicking here or calling (410) 986-0088.