What Happens When the Other Driver Ghosts You?
Disappearing drivers make the aftermath of a car accident even more stressful. You exchange phone numbers, insurance information, or maybe even just a verbal agreement to connect later, only to have the other person vanish into thin air.
When you can’t track down the other driver, it can complicate your path to recovery, both physically and financially. A Bucks County personal injury attorney can assist you if you ever find yourself in this predicament.
Step to Prevent Being Ghosted
In some cases, you exchange information at the scene and agree to follow up later. But once the initial shock wears off, the other driver may stop answering your calls, and their insurance company may deny they were even involved. This situation leaves you in a tough spot, especially if you need their cooperation to cover repair costs or medical bills.
The best way to prevent a driver from disappearing after an accident is to gather as much information as possible at the scene. The more detailed your documentation, the better prepared you’ll be if the other party vanishes.
Here are the key steps you should take immediately following the accident.
- Call the police. Always report the accident to the police, no matter how minor it may seem. The police report will be an official record of the incident and can be invaluable if the other driver disappears.
- Document everything. Capture photos or videos of damage to both vehicles, license plates, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries. The more photos and videos you take, the better. Also, take pictures of the other driver’s insurance card, driver’s license, and car registration.
- Get contact information for witnesses. If there are any witnesses to the accident, make sure to get their names and phone numbers. Their testimony can be crucial if the other driver becomes uncooperative later on.
- Exchange full information. Ensure you get not just a phone number but the driver’s full name, insurance policy number, address, and license plate number. Write it down or take a clear photo to avoid mistakes.
- Don’t rely solely on verbal agreements. While it’s tempting to agree on a quick fix and let each other go, it’s best to involve your insurance companies and the police.
If you’ve already left the scene and realize the other driver is no longer responding, don’t panic. Instead, immediately report the incident to your insurance provider and let them know that the other driver is unresponsive. Depending on your policy, you may have coverage options such as uninsured motorist protection.
Explore Legal Avenues with the Support of an Attorney
When a driver is truly unreachable, working with an experienced Bucks County personal injury attorney can help you explore all legal avenues to compensation. Your lawyer has the skills to investigate further, potentially track down the other driver, and assist in filing claims with your insurance company.
Do you need to track down an irresponsible driver? Don’t let a driver’s disappearance delay your recovery. Reach out to the legal team at Kevin L. Hand, P.C. Call 215-968-6602 for a confidential consultation.
