Getting in a car accident is stressful enough on its own. Dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, police reports, and insurance claims is a major headache for any driver. But things get even more complicated if you fail to collect the other driver’s insurance information at the scene. Without their policy details, filing a liability claim for damages can be tricky.
Fortunately, you still have options if you leave the accident scene lacking this critical info. Here are some steps to take if the other motorist’s insurance details slip through the cracks after a collision.
Try to Remember or Reconstruct What You Can
Even if you don’t have the other driver’s exact policy number and insurance company name, try to recall any details you can about them, their vehicle, or their license plate. Every piece of info helps in tracking them down later. Important things to note include:
- License plate number, state, color, and any distinguishing features
- Make, model, color, and condition of their vehicle
- Name, approximate age, gender, and physical description of the driver
- Badge number of any police officer on scene
- Photos/video of the vehicles, drivers, and accident scene from your phone
- Contact info of any witnesses at the scene
If you have a partial license plate or VIN, the police may be able to identify the registered owner. Review photos and videos right after the accident while your memory is fresh. Jot down every relevant point for your insurance claim.
File a Police Report on the Accident
Contact the local police department to file an official report on the accident. This creates a formal record with details on all parties, vehicles, injuries, and damages involved. Be sure to request a copy of the report for your records.
Police reports establish key facts about fault and what transpired. They also include info obtained from the other driver that you may have missed. And insurance companies often want a copy of the report before processing a claim.
For minor accidents with no injuries, you may file a self-reported crash form with the DMV instead of calling the police. But formal police reports carry more weight for insurance and legal purposes down the road.
Contact Your Insurance Provider ASAP
Notify your insurer of the accident right away, even without the other motorist’s policy details. Provide all the info you have and explain that the other driver left without providing their details. Your insurance company can still start gathering facts and reserve funds to cover repairs.
By notifying your insurer quickly, you avoid any perception that you tried to hide the incident or commit insurance fraud. Prompt notice demonstrates you have nothing to hide. Always call your insurer within 24 hours of any accident.
Review Your Policy Coverages and Options
Take some time to review all the coverages you have under your own auto insurance policy. Standard coverages like collision and comprehensive can pay for repairs to your vehicle, minus any deductible. Medical payments coverage can help cover immediate medical bills.
Also check on your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage limits. This coverage pays for injuries and damages when the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough. Without the other driver’s policy information, you may need to tap these funds while searching for their insurer.
Lean on Your Insurer’s Investigative Resources
Insurers have an army of adjusters, investigators, and legal professionals at their disposal to track down hit-and-run drivers or uncover insurance info. Many can search DMV records, hire private investigators, and take other steps to identify the at-fault motorist.
Provide every piece of evidence from the scene to help your insurer’s investigation. Police reports, photos, video footage, and eyewitness statements all assist the search. Your insurer wants to confirm details just as much as you do.
Consult With a Personal Injury Attorney if Needed
For severe accidents with major injuries or vehicle damage, consulting a personal injury attorney is wise. They have resources and tactics beyond what insurers offer to identify hit-and-run drivers or press reluctant motorists for their policy details.
An attorney sends a clear message you will pursue legal action against the driver and their insurer. This prompts reluctant parties to cooperate rather than face court. For hit-and-runs, attorneys can launch a vigorous investigation and preserve evidence.
File a Claim Against Your Own Policy
If the at-fault motorist remains unidentified or uninsured after exhausting other options, file a claim against your own policy. Collision coverage pays for repairs to your vehicle. UIM property damage kicks in if they lack enough coverage.
For injuries, tap your medical payments and UIM/UM bodily injury coverages. These pay for medical treatment and lost wages if the other motorist lacks sufficient bodily injury liability insurance. While less ideal than claiming against the at-fault driver’s policy, it provides a safety net.
Consider Legal Action Against the Driver
If you eventually identify the at-fault motorist but they still refuse to divulge insurance details, you may take them to court. A lawsuit establishes financial responsibility and obligates their insurer to step in.
With evidence from police, witnesses, and accident reconstruction experts, you can prove the other driver’s fault and obtain a judgment for damages against them. Their insurer will likely settle on their behalf rather than risk a larger judgment at trial.
Explore Third Party Liability Options
Besides the other driver, other parties may share responsibility for the accident. For example:
- Their employer, if they were driving for work purposes
- Vehicle manufacturer, for defects like faulty brakes
- Government agency, for hazardous road conditions
- Bar or restaurant, if the motorist was intoxicated
An attorney can help investigate these options. Demonstrating negligence by these third parties allows you to seek damages from their insurance.
Don’t Wait Too Long to Act
Time limits apply when filing insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits after auto accidents. In most states, you have only 1-3 years to take legal action or make claims before losing your right to compensation. Move promptly through the steps outlined above before windows close.
Use Accidents as a Lesson for the Future
Any driver can make the mistake of overlooking insurance exchange after an accident – the stress of the situation impairs judgment. Use the experience to develop habits that prevent a repeat:
- Keep insurance info accessible in your wallet and vehicle glovebox.
- Note the other driver’s details in your phone or write them down immediately.
- Take photos of license plates right away or have passengers help document.
- Keep claim-filing info handy in your glove compartment.
- Consider installing a dash cam to independently record details.
Making a checklist for “what to do after an accident” can help ingrain wise response habits as well. Being prepared with tools and knowledge minimizes confusion going forward.
Getting the other motorist’s insurance information at the scene provides certainty on how to proceed after an accident. But even without those details in hand, by tapping your own coverage, insurers’ resources, legal counsel, and your own documentation, compensation for damages remains within reach. Just stay proactive to cover all bases in identifying the at-fault driver.