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What Happens If You Are At Fault In An Auto Accident

Stressed Driver
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Getting involved in an auto accident is stressful. Being the at-fault party in an accident is enough to cause anxiety. However, feeling anxious after an accident when you are at fault is normal. Yes, accidents occur, and when you are at fault, you must be accountable.

Immediately after an accident, the first thing to do is call the police to file a report. Then, if any of the parties are injured, they are to seek immediate medical attention. You also exchange personal information like address, phone number, and license plate number with the other party.

You can also take photographs of the cars and scenes of the accident as evidence. It would help if you informed your insurer after an accident to ensure that compensation is possible if warranted.

What Liabilities Do You Have as a Fault Party?

Remember that Michigan is a No-Fault state. So having insurance to cover auto insurance coverage when you are at fault in a car accident is necessary. Unfortunately, your insurance coverage may not be enough for all liabilities. If it isn’t, you may have to pay out of pocket.

In cases where the other driver suffered severe injuries, you could be sued. When that happens your insurance company might agree on a settlement with the victim’s insurer, eliminating the need for a court case.

The losses that the victims of an auto accident may have covered are:

  • Medical bills and other costs for treatment
  • Lost income
  • Loss of capacity to earn
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering
  • Prescription medication

What Happens to My Vehicle if I am at Fault in an Auto Accident?

Your insurer will pay for the damages to the other driver’s vehicle. However, you might be wondering what happens to your car. If you have collision coverage, it may cover for your car damages in an auto accident that you are at fault for.

Also, you will pay your deductible. Your deductible is the amount of money you pay before the policy starts paying your damages. So, for instance, if your deductible is $500 and your car damage is $1,500, your insurer pays the balance after you have paid the $500 deductible.

What Happens to Your Car Insurance After Being in an At-Fault Accident?

Based on the information in the police report, there are various possibilities if you are at fault in an auto accident. If the accident is serious enough or you have a history of driving infractions, a license suspension or other restrictions are possible. At the very least, your auto insurance premium is likely to rise upon renewal, and in some cases could be pulled by the carrier.

The auto accident attorneys at Bashore Green can help!

Auto accidents can be stressful and traumatic irrespective of who is at fault. Unfortunately, you will have to pay for damages as an at-fault party. Our Michigan auto accident lawyers can help you arrive at a fair settlement. Contact us today to schedule a free case review with one of our experienced auto, truck or motorcycle accident attorneys.