What Happens If You Don’t Exchange Information After an Accident?

After a car crash, you may feel confused or disoriented and forget to exchange information. You may also be frustrated by the incident and forget to exchange information with the other driver.  Despite the circumstances, you need the other party’s contact information to file an auto accident claim.

Consider speaking to a trusted car accident attorney if unsure how to proceed after the collision.

What Happens If You Don’t Exchange Information After an Accident?

If you fail to exchange information after an accident, you may not receive the compensation you deserve. Similarly, the other driver might not claim responsibility or cover your damages, making you pay the damages out of pocket.

Here’s what you can do to salvage the situation:

• Stay Calm: Tempers can flare up after an accident, causing the other driver to withhold their information. If the other driver is angry, avoid a confrontation.
• Call the Police: You should always call the police to the accident scene no matter the circumstances. The police can intervene and help you obtain details you may not get. The police can also track the other driver if they fled the scene.

Your Insurance Options

If the other motorist leaves the scene without exchanging information, you can file a claim through your uninsured motorist coverage. Unlike other insurance coverage that requires details of the at-fault party, the option is available without the other driver’s insurance information.

Alternatively, you can file a lawsuit against the other driver. In such a case, engage a car accident lawyer with experience handling hit-and-run cases.

Essential Information in a Car Accident

While feeling disoriented after a car accident is normal, gathering as much information as possible is important. This information can help prove that the other party was at fault.

Some information required to process hit-and-run claims include injuries, property damage, witness testimony, total damages, and insurance information of the other driver.

Any time you’re in an accident, write down the following information for a seamless claim process:

• Driver’s full name, phone number, and physical address
• License plate number
• Driver’s license number
• Car make, model, and color

Talk to a Car Accident Attorney About Your Options

If you left the accident scene without exchanging information, the insurance company could use it to deny your claim.

Even so, you can protect your rights by speaking to an experienced car accident attorney at The Barnes Firm about your legal options.

Contact us online or call us at (800) 800-0000 for a free case evaluation.

Richard Barnes – President of The Barnes Firm

Richard Barnes: “As President of The Barnes Firm, I have dedicated my career to achieving justice in hundreds of cases for the victims of injuries caused through the fault of others. Additionally, I have been honored to have been elected Best Lawyer and a Super Lawyer”

Years of Experience: 30+ years
LinkedIn Profile: Richard Barnes