{"id":353139,"date":"2016-09-19T13:20:41","date_gmt":"2016-09-19T18:20:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/car-accidents\/what-to-do-after-a-car-accident-thats-not-your-fault.html"},"modified":"2025-10-03T09:07:28","modified_gmt":"2025-10-03T14:07:28","slug":"what-to-do-after-a-car-accident-thats-not-your-fault","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/what-to-do-after-a-car-accident-thats-not-your-fault.html","title":{"rendered":"What To Do After a Car Accident That’s Not Your Fault"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What To Do After a Car Accident That's Not Your Fault<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

If you are involved in a car accident, get to a safe location<\/span>, call 911 for police, and request medical attention<\/span> if there are any injuries. Document the accident scene<\/span> with photos and witness statements, and exchange insurance information<\/span> with the other driver. Following these steps helps you file your insurance claim<\/span> or lawsuit to recover damages from the at-fault driver.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

After a car accident, you should prioritize safety. Call 911 for police and medical aid. Seek immediate medical attention<\/span> for any injuries. Document the scene with photos, exchange insurance information<\/span> with the other driver, and get contact details from any witnesses. Following these steps helps protect your legal rights and strengthens your ability to file an insurance claim<\/span> or lawsuit to recover damages from the responsible party.<\/p>\n

There’s a good chance you will be in a motor <\/span>vehicle<\/span> accident<\/span><\/a> at some point during your time behind the steering wheel. In most multi-vehicle car crashes<\/span>, one motorist is usually more at fault than the other. For example, the rear driver is almost always at fault in a rear-end collision. The same is also true for drunk driving accidents<\/a>. What do you do after a car accident that wasn’t your fault?<\/p>\n

In this article, we’ll describe the steps you should take after an auto accident<\/span>. We will also explain what to do if the at-fault driver’s <\/span>insurance company<\/span> denies your claim<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If you’ve recently been in a car accident, it’s a good idea to contact an experienced car accident attorney<\/span><\/a>. They’ll review your case and help you pursue damages against the other driver.<\/p>\n

The Aftermath of a Car Accident<\/h2>\n

The things you do in the moments after a car crash<\/span> will determine whether you can file a successful car accident claim<\/span>. The\u00a0steps you take following a car accident<\/a> are the same regardless of who’s at fault. However, there are specific things you can do to protect your interests if the other driver refuses to admit fault<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Taking all the right steps after an auto accident<\/span> is always a good idea, but it can prove especially beneficial when:<\/p>\n