07 Nov WHAT IF YOU DON’T GET THE OTHER DRIVER’S CONTACT INFO AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT?
Posted By Gruenberg Kelly Della || 7-Nov-2019
To resolve a car accident claim and recover compensation for your damages, communication with the other driver is necessary. In the aftermath of a car accident, you may not get the other driver’s contact information. They may refuse to cooperate with you, you may forget, or you may be unable to in the chaos following the collision.
There are ways to acquire the other driver’s contact information after the day of the accident, or resolve your claim without it. The importance of the other driver’s contact information will depend on the circumstances of your collision case and the laws in your state.
New York is a No-Fault State
Although having the other driver’s contact information can be helpful in any car accident situation, it is not as crucial in no-fault states. In no-fault states, proving liability is not necessary for recovering compensation because every person’s insurance company is responsible for their injuries.
In comparison, at-fault states require the identification of a responsible party. To recover benefits, injury victims must file a claim with the other driver’s insurance provider. In at-fault states, the other driver’s contact information is more essential. People who live in at-fault states do have other options if they do not speak to the other driver after a collision.
Contact the Local Police Department
The police department that responded to your car accident may be able to provide information about the other driver. Once a report is filed, you can ask for a copy. The police report should include the full details of your case, including information about the other driver. If a police report was filed, the responding officer may reach out to you for more information on the collision. The police can also assist you if the other driver refuses to provide their information.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Insurance
If you live in an at-fault state and are not able to get in contact with the other driver, your insurance may provide additional coverage. Uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance provides coverage if the other driver’s insurance is insufficient, they willingly do not provide their information, or in cases of hit-and-run accidents. This type of coverage could be an option if, for whatever reason, you are not able to contact the other driver. You should review your auto insurance policy to see if this is an option.
Although New York state law mandates that your insurance company is responsible for providing benefits if you are involved in a collision, it is still possible that your claim could be denied. Our attorneys can represent you if you were injured in a car accident. We are prepared to help you negotiate with your insurance provider and/or another driver, so you can recover the compensation you deserve.
Send us a message or call (888) 305-6372 for a free case evaluation with the Gruenberg Kelly Della legal team.