Most states require liability insurance coverage. With liability insurance, damage to another person’s property is covered, but not damage to your own property. Liability insurance also covers the medical expenses of the other driver, but not your own. If you are the responsible party in the accident, the other driver wants to be sure that all of his expenses are covered. Failure to cover these expenses can result in a lawsuit. To avoid a lawsuit, settle the auto accident. It is wise to seek expert legal counsel before settling an auto accident.
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1
Exchange names and contact information with the driver of the other vehicle.

2
Take pictures of the auto accident scene and pictures of the vehicle damage.

3
Get a copy of the police report. By doing so, you have proof of the damage that was done to the vehicle during the accident.

4
Offer to call medical assistance to the driver of the other vehicle. By calling medics to the scene, all bodily injury caused by the accident can be documented. If the other driver declines medical assistance, document this fact. If the other driver accepts medical assistance, get a report of the injuries. Request a copy of the medical bill for your own documentation. Reimburse the driver for all medical expenses caused by the accident.

5
Advise the driver of the other vehicle to take his vehicle to an auto repair shop to get an appraisal. The appraisal sheet should state the exact damage that was caused by the accident and the exact cost to repair the damage.

6
Reimburse the driver for the cost of obtaining an estimate. If you believe that you can get a cheaper estimate elsewhere, call around to different repair shops to get a quote of what it will cost to fix the damage.

7
Pay the driver of the other vehicle to get the damage repaired. Only give enough money to match the appraisal quote. When paying the driver, use a check or money order, instead of cash. By using a check or money order, you can prove that you paid the other driver for the damage. Don’t forget to get a receipt from the driver.

8
Reimburse the other driver for rental car expenses if he has to rent another vehicle while his is being repaired. Only reimburse via check or money order, not cash. Be sure to obtain a receipt from the other driver to prove that you paid for the cost of the car rental.
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