For drivers who get into an accident with an active SR-22 filing requirement, the steps you should take do not differ greatly from those that a regularly insured driver would take after a wreck. Fortunately, as long as you have the state-required coverage, you should not encounter any additional penalties as an SR-22 driver.
In this guide, you will learn which steps to take at the accident scene and what you should do after the accident, including soliciting legal assistance if needed. Accidents can result in significant financial or criminal liability, and the guidance of an attorney who specializes in auto accidents can prove invaluable.
Remember, as an SR-22 driver, you are already considered a high-risk driver, and getting into an accident can further complicate your situation. It is important to stay calm and follow these steps to protect yourself and your rights.
Read on to learn more about what SR-22 drivers should do during and after they get into an accident.
What Should I Do Immediately After the Accident Occurs?
Regardless of who is at fault, you should first call either 911 or your non-emergency police department, depending on the severity of the situation.
If you or the other driver or passengers have injuries, call 911 immediately and ask for both police and emergency medical services to come to the scene. If you have injuries, especially head, neck, or back injuries, wait until medical professionals arrive on the scene because sometimes moving the wrong way can make them worse. Once they arrive and as per their advice, consider a trip to the emergency room to ensure you have no internal injuries.
What Should I Do in the Days and Weeks After an Accident?
For SR-22 insured drivers, an accident may causehttps://www.sr22adviser.com/guidance-and-tips/sr-22-tips/lower-your-insurance-rates-after-an-sr-22/ and pose issues for other coverage requirements in the future. You should take the following steps after you have left the scene of the accident: and pose issues for other coverage requirements in the future. You should take the following steps after you have left the scene of the accident:
- Reach out to local attorneys who specialize in these types of cases.
- Determine if your insurance costs will increase.
- Find out whether you live in an at-fault state.
- Prepare for legal proceedings if applicable.
Tip 1. Call the Police
File a police report when the officer arrives at the scene. This step will help you to establish the facts of the accident with an unbiased third party and provide some level of protection against false accusations from the other party.
If there has been noticeable damage or the other driver committed a violation that resulted in the accident, make sure to note these facts to the officer that arrives to take the report. By documenting the damages early, you can set yourself up for a more solid legal process and potentially avoid accident liability in states that assign non-equal fault.
Tip 2. Gather Information
Collect the name, phone number, and insurance information of the other driver(s) involved in the incident, as well as any witnesses who saw what happened. Keep a record of this information in a secure location such as a cloud drive, as well as print copies if needed.
Tip 3. Take Photos
Use your phone or camera to take pictures of the damage to all vehicles involved in the accident, as well as the surrounding area. This can be useful evidence later. As with names, phone numbers, and other important information about the case, you should back these photos up to a secure location in case you need to send them to an attorney.
Tip 4. Notify Your Insurance Company
Call your SR-22 insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. They will be able to guide you through the claims process and help with any legal or financial issues that may arise. You may also wish to consult with an attorney before you speak with your insurance company.
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Tip 5. Consult With An Attorney
If the crash resulted in serious injuries or significant property damage, it may be advisable to consult with an attorney who specializes in personal injury or car accident cases. They can help protect your rights and ensure that you receive fair compensation for any damage or losses.
Tip 6. Evaluate the Impact on Your Insurance Costs
Your SR-22 provider should also be notified of the accident, as it could impact your coverage and premiums. Your attorney may also work with you to determine what information to give to your insurer.
Tip 7. Find Out if You Live in an At-Fault (or No-Fault) State
This will have a bearing on your claims process. In an at-fault state, the insurance company of the driver at fault will help pay for injuries and damages caused to other drivers and passengers. In a no-fault state, your insurance company will help you pay for your injuries and damages, regardless of who is at fault.
The following states fall into the “No-Fault” category:
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Dakota
- Pennsylvania
- Utah
The remaining states are “Fault” states.
Tip 8. Prepare for Court Filings and Proceedings
In some cases, you may find yourself suing another driver or acting as the defendant in a lawsuit. The car accident lawsuit process has many complexities, and an attorney can help you prepare for this type of situation.
While television shows like to paint a picture of lawsuits as dramatic and flashy, the reality does not come across as exciting. Most lawsuits settle outside of the courtroom between the two parties’ attorneys.
Sometimes, two parties may decide to resort to mediation to settle their dispute. This approach has some advantages over the formal court process, as it often delivers results faster than what a slow-moving court may otherwise accomplish.
Get an Affordable SR-22 Auto Insurance Quote Today
Nobody wants to deal with the fallout of a car crash. Injuries, financial stress, and the inability to drive can all create an uncomfortable life situation. With a solid SR-22 auto insurance policy, you can rest easy knowing both your life and your property have protection.
At SR-22 Adviser, our partner offers drivers affordable SR-22 auto insurance. Get started in minutes with an online quote to determine your next steps!