I’ve Had a Car Accident That Was My Fault: What Happens Next?

With almost 2.5 million cars on the road in Ireland, it’s likely that many of us will be involved in a car accident at some stage in our lives. Whether a minor ‘fender bender’ or a more serious collision, car accidents are often upsetting events. Sometimes they can come as such a shock that we’re unable to think straight, so it’s a good idea to be prepared in advance.

At HOMS Assist, we deal with hundreds of accidents every year, so we have a team of in-house experts on hand to deal with your queries. If you’re wondering what to do after a minor car accident, they’ve put together a detailed guide that’ll take you through the key steps. These include stopping the vehicle; checking on any injured party; calling a police officer or ambulance; and contacting your insurance company. It is also crucial to document the accident scene by recording names, contact details, insurance information, and taking photographs, as well as activating hazard lights to alert other drivers. These are all fairly straightforward, but what about admitting fault in a car accident?

This is one of the most common questions our team is asked by clients, so we’ve put together a simple outline of what happens if you admit fault in a car accident.

Stop and Assess the Situation

Immediately after an incident, ensure that everyone involved is safe. Check for injuries and provide first aid if necessary. If it’s a car accident, move to a safe location if possible and call emergency services for assistance.

Exchange Details and Document the Scene

Immediately after an incident, ensure that everyone involved is safe. Check for injuries and provide first aid if necessary. If it’s a car accident, move to a safe location if possible and call emergency services for assistance.

This is the legal term for admitting that you were at fault at the scene of the accident. You might do this verbally, by explaining to the other driver or witnesses that you caused or contributed to the accident. You could find yourself having a conversation in which you feel forced to accept responsibility. You might even, as is often the knee-jerk reaction, apologise.

This all amounts to an admission of liability which might lead to serious legal, insurance and financial ramifications later.

If I Am to Blame, Should I Admit It at the Scene?

Even if you feel that it’s the right thing to do, you shouldn’t immediately accept responsibility for car accidents. There is no legal obligation to admit fault and nobody should be pressured to do so at the scene. It’s better to give yourself some time for any shock to subside and let a police officer, insurance representative or qualified solicitor gather all the evidence first. Make sure to collect the car registration number and contact details of all parties involved. It’s only then that you can decide the most appropriate course of action.

Why Should You Not Admit Fault in a Car Accident?

Admitting fault in a car accident is something you want to avoid for a number of different reasons. These include:

• You may be in shock or injured, even if you feel fine initially. This could impair your ability to recall the details of the accident accurately, so the information you give might be incorrect.
• You may not be aware of key details. Even trained investigators need time to analyse the scene of an accident, and it’s common for first impressions to be proven wrong at a later date.
• There could be a condition in your insurance policy that you must not make any admission of liability and that to do so would invalidate your insurance.

In the case of minor car accidents, it might feel natural to just shake hands and move on, but you should still make sure you have not admitted liability for the car accident as it’s not unknown for injuries to develop over time. This can lead to a road traffic accident claim or a personal injury case arising months or even years from the date of the accident.

In the heat of the moment, it’s easy to say something we might regret later. If you want to avoid admitting fault in a car accident, you should stick to gathering information only. The type of details you could collect include:

• The date of the accident, as well as the precise time
• The position of your vehicle and any other vehicle involved
• The nature of any injuries or damage (including photographs if appropriate)
• The names, addresses and phone numbers of anyone involved
• The names, addresses and phone numbers of any witnesses available
• The motor insurance company names and numbers of anyone involved
• The driver’s licence numbers of anyone involved
• All vehicles’ registration numbers, makes, models, and colours

It is crucial to document the accident scene thoroughly, including taking photographs and recording the details of the cars involved, such as registration numbers and the extent of the damage.

Under Irish law, you’re obliged to give certain key information — including your name, address and motor insurance details — to a member of An Garda Síochána. If there is no Garda available, you must give these details to the injured person (where someone has been hurt) or a person asking on their behalf; or the owner whose property has been damaged, or someone asking on their behalf.

When you’re relaying this information, you should stick to the facts; do not express opinions, do not speculate on causes and most importantly, do not admit liability.

In the situation of a car accident where no one admits fault, it will fall to the insurance companies and / or legal representatives to pursue a course of action.

They may negotiate a settlement or bring the case to court, to allow the judicial system to decide. This process is especially important in the case of a serious accident. This is a very common practice that happens every day in Ireland, and if you have a good solicitor, you won’t need to worry about the day-to-day steps involved — they will handle most of it for you.

Dealing with the Insurance Company

Navigating the process of dealing with your insurance company after an accident can be daunting. Understanding the necessary steps and documentation required will ensure a smoother experience.

Reporting the Accident to Your Car Insurance Provider

Immediately report the accident to your car insurance provider. Provide all necessary details, including the date, time, location, and any other relevant information. This step is crucial for initiating the claims process and ensuring your coverage.

Making a Claim and Compensation

Filing a claim involves gathering evidence and submitting documentation to support your case. This may include photos of the accident scene, police reports, and witness statements. Understanding your policy coverage will help manage expectations regarding compensation.

How to Make a Car Accident Claim

To make a car accident claim, contact your insurance company and provide them with the accident details. Complete any required forms and submit supporting documents, such as repair estimates and medical expenses. Stay in contact with your insurance adjuster to track the progress of your claim and address any additional requirements.