Can I still file a car insurance claim if I didn’t exchange information with the other driver at the scene of the accident?

It is helpful to know how to correctly handle a car accident. Ensure the people involved at the accident scene are safe and not in further harm’s way. Call 9-1-1. Give first aid. If you are not seriously injured, exchange information with the other driver(s) while you wait for the police to arrive.

What to Do When You’re Unable Exchange Insurance Information at the Scene of an Accident

Many extenuating circumstances may make the exchange of information not possible after a car accident.

Here are a few examples:

• Injuries: If you are injured in the accident, you may be taken to the hospital before exchanging information with the other driver(s). Or, you may be so occupied with giving first aid that there is no chance to exchange information.
• Vehicle Damage: The car(s) may have so much damage that it is impossible to access the information in the vehicle.
• Language: There may be a language barrier preventing those involved from communicating.
• Physical Threat: If you are threatened with harm by another person at the accident scene, you should not attempt to exchange information and instead wait for the police to arrive.

No harm is done if the circumstances make it impossible for a reasonable person to exchange information after an accident. However, if someone involved in an accident intentionally refuses to exchange information or flees the scene, they will be blamed for not following the law.

Exchanging Information After an Accident

Suppose you wake up in a hospital after suffering injuries in an auto accident. Hopefully, you have insurance from the best personal injury protection (PIP) car insurance company. Under those circumstances, it is prudent to attempt to find out how to exchange information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident.

Getting a copy of the police report may provide the information you need to locate the other parties involved. Ensure you understand how to file a car insurance claim and the details required.

Seeking Legal Counsel

It is wise to seek competent legal counsel for any serious auto accident that involves injuries. The recommendation is to talk to a lawyer before speaking to anyone else.

Don’t talk with the other driver(s), an insurance adjuster, or the police. Your lawyer will handle those discussions and help you exchange information with the other parties.

How No-Fault Car Insurance Applies when You Don’t Exchange Information with the Other Driver

If your state is a no-fault state, or if you carry optional no-fault insurance in other states, you can make an insurance claim for personal injuries without needing to exchange any information with the other driver(s) because your insurance is the one that will process the claim.

However, property damage is the at-fault driver’s responsibility, even in a no-fault state. Understand more about having full coverage car insurance.

You Can Still File a Car Insurance Claim if You Didn’t Exchange Information with the Other Driver at the Scene of the Accident

Even though there is a legal requirement to exchange information after an accident, you can still file a car insurance claim if you didn’t exchange information with the other driver at the scene of the accident.

It helps if you have PIP insurance or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to cover these claims if you cannot exchange information later.