What Should I Do If Another Car Caused Me to Crash?

What to Do if Another Car Caused You to Crash

This article is intended to cover the possible outcomes if you swerve to avoid a crash and end up crashing into something or someone else. While the answer is not black and white, studies show a combination of braking and swerving gives you the best outcome, but if you steer clear of distracted driving, speeding, etc., you decrease your chances of a collision and are less likely to be negligent. On the other hand, weather, road conditions, or vehicle defects may leave you no choice. 

With thousands of car crashes occurring daily, you’re bound to eventually experience a collision when driving.  When you’re involved in a collision, many thoughts rush through your mind, but several important what-ifs will help you determine who is at fault and if you may be eligible for compensation.

There are many reasons you might swerve to avoid a collision, but the important part is the outcome: what caused you to swerve and what effect your swerving had on others. If any of these apply to you, you may be eligible for compensation.

What If I Hit Another Vehicle After A Car Caused Me To Crash?

If you hit another vehicle after another car caused you to crash, you may be able to hold them liable for any damages or injuries that you sustained. It’s important to take the same steps as you would in any other accident. Know that accidents can happen to anyone; even the most experienced drivers can fall victim to unpredictable situations. Whether you believe you’re at fault or not, you should make sure you have police reports, eyewitness testimonies, and statements made by the drivers to the police and each other, and the people around them. If you couldn’t gather this information, it’s still worth contacting an attorney at Wilson Kehoe Winingham to see if you might be entitled to compensation.

What If Another Vehicle Caused Me to Swerve and Hit an Obstacle?

It is first important to seek medical attention immediately to help prevent any physical injuries. 

 If the driver who caused the collision left the scene and did not stop, it may be challenging to find out who they were. If this is the case, be sure to inform the police with any details you can remember of the car that hit your vehicle, such as the make, model, and color, a description of the driver,  and details like the license plate number. It’s important that you speak with the police as soon as possible to help aid in recall—the longer that time passes, the less accurate your recount of the accident may be. Next, you will need to file a claim through your insurance provider. In doing so, they may request multiple pieces of information you may not have, thus leading them to contest your claim.  Our team can help you get the settlement you deserve by obtaining traffic camera footage, reading police reports, and interviewing witnesses. 

What Do I Do If Another Car Caused Me To Crash?

Overall, if you find yourself in any type of car accident, especially if another car caused you to crash, there are several steps you should take to ensure your safety and protect your rights:

• Stay Calm: Immediately following a crash you’re most likely overwhelmed, but it’s important you keep calm by thinking of your logical next steps. Doing so will keep you from any legal headaches further down the road.
• Check for injuries: If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately and ask for an ambulance. Even if you feel fine, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor to make sure there are no hidden injuries. 
• Call the police: Even if the accident is minor, it’s important to call the police and have them file a report. The report can be important for insurance claims and any potential legal action.
• Take pictures of the scene: If possible, take pictures of the scene, including any damage to the vehicles, yourself, and the surrounding area.
• Get contact and insurance information from the other drivers involved: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other drivers involved in the accident. You will need this information to later file an insurance claim.
• Notify your insurance company: Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident and file a claim.
• Keep track of any expenses: Keep track of any expenses related to the accident, including medical bills, car repairs, and lost wages.
• Consult an attorney: If there is serious injury, death, or significant property damage, it is advisable to consult an attorney experienced in car accident cases to understand your rights and options.

It’s important to keep in mind that every accident is unique and the steps to take may vary depending on the specific circumstances, but taking these steps will help ensure your safety and protect your rights.

What Are Typical Car Accident Settlement Amounts?

Since every car accident case is based on individual details and circumstances, there is no set amount or even an average payout for car accident settlements. A car accident settlement can vary widely depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Factors such as the severity of the injuries, the cost of medical treatment, and the amount of property damage can all play a role in determining the settlement amount. In general, settlements for minor injuries, such as whiplash or soft tissue injuries, may be on the lower end of the spectrum, while settlements for more severe injuries, such as broken bones or permanent disabilities, can be much higher.

Contact the Experienced Attorneys at Wilson Kehoe Winingham

If you or a loved one have experienced any of these unfortunate situations if another car caused you to crash, we urge you to contact an attorney at Wilson Kehoe Winingham. The experienced lawyers at WKW can help get you the compensation you deserve. Call 317.576.3859 or fill out a contact form for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

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