What To Do If A Driver Refuses To Share Their Insurance Information With You After A Car Accident
Florida is a no-fault car insurance state. This means that a motorist is expected to turn to their insurance company for compensation after a car accident. However, sometimes, a driver can step out of the no-fault system and file a claim against another driver’s insurance company. In Florida, a driver can step out of the no-fault system if their medical bills exceed $10,000 or if they suffer a severe injury. For you to obtain compensation from another driver, you must prove that the other driver was somehow negligent and that their (the other driver’s) negligence directly led to your injuries and losses.
When it comes to filing a claim against an at-fault driver, one of the most crucial steps is obtaining insurance information from the at-fault driver. The insurance information you obtain from an at-fault driver after a car accident will help your attorney when handling your car accident case. However, sometimes, getting insurance information from another driver can be challenging. Sometimes, drivers refuse to share their insurance information. But, even if a driver refuses to share with you their insurance information after a car accident, you should not panic. If you panic in such a situation, you might end up hurting your chances of recovering fair compensation.
Below are two crucial steps you can take if, after a car accident, you encounter a motorist who refuses to give you their insurance information.
Call the Police
If, after a car accident, the other driver refuses to share with you their insurance information, contact the police and let them gather that information themselves. Ensure you let the police know that the other driver refused to give you their insurance information, so they know they need to pass the information to you. It is crucial that you avoid getting into a confrontation with the other driver since getting into a fight will only worsen the situation.
Gather Other Important Details
Often, drivers who refuse to share their insurance information also refuse to share the other information that drivers are usually required to share after a car accident, such as addresses, phone numbers, and driver’s license details. But, if the other driver agrees to give you this additional information, record it as it might prove helpful. If you find yourself in a situation where the other driver refuses to share their insurance information and other necessary information, collect details that you can gather without their (the other driver’s) help, such as;
- Make and model of the other car
- Color of the other car
- The other car’s license plate
Suppose the other driver flees from the accident scene. In such a case, information about the other driver’s car’s color, make, model, and license plate, can help the police track them (the other driver) down. Never try to pursue a driver if they flee from an accident scene.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If the at-fault driver is giving you a hard time after a car accident, or if you need help dealing with insurance companies, speak to one of our Tampa personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm. We can help you get the payment you deserve from an at-fault driver and their insurance company. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Ocala, Orlando, Miami, Bradenton, Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, and Daytona Beach areas.