Involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault: your rights and options
Sometimes, even if you take all the necessary precautions and drive carefully, an accident is unavoidable. In this situation, it might be because the fault is entirely on the third party. If they’ve injured you and damaged your car, you do have options though. Below, we explore how you should proceed in this scenario.
How can I prove I wasn’t at fault?
The person at fault in an accident is the person who will usually be financially responsible for all resulting harm suffered in the accident. Proving fault matters in personal injury cases as the person who was negligent will have to pay – usually through insurance – for the losses of the other person. When you hire no-win-no-fee personal injury solicitors, you’ll have to prove that the law required the other person in the accident to be careful, that they weren’t careful, that they caused your injuries and that you suffered losses.
At the same time, you can prove that you weren’t at fault by collecting evidence with your lawyers. Collecting the other driver’s information can ease the process. But you’ll need a police report, evidence of vehicle damage, witness statements, pictures of the scene and medical evidence too.
Who pays for the damage and recovering medical expenses?
If no one is at fault for the accident, then you’ll be liable to sort out your own expenses. Your car insurance might help you with damage to your car, while medical insurance could help you get the best care to recover from your injuries. However, if you prove that the other driver was at fault then your outlook is better. You’ll be able to make a personal injury claim to earn compensation for the damage to your car, your injuries and for any time you’ve had to take off work.
Recovery
While compensation is important, it’s also crucial to give yourself time to recover following an accident. If you’re injured in the aftermath, you should go to A&E to get checked out. However, more serious injuries could require an ambulance. After the first few weeks, you might be able to start rehab. Ideally, you’ll have a set of exercises recommended by a physio to help you recover your mobility. At the same time, if you’re feeling the mental trauma of getting in an accident it’s worth reaching out to professional services or friends and family for support.
When you suffer an accident that wasn’t your fault, it can be a stressful time. But by following the guide above, you should be able to take a step back and plan your next moves as you start your recovery.
