There are two ways to find the other drivers insurance after a car crash: 1) the police report or 2) information gathered at the scene.
POLICE REPORT
It usually takes the police a few days to write the report. If the crash is complicated or someone dies it will take more time. Assuming the police took down insurance information it will be listed on the report. A claim can then be set up with the other driver’s insurance. This is not to suggest that insurance company will do anything other than try to screw you over. They are trained to pretend like they are your friend and then get information to later use against you. Once you find the other driver’s insurance information its time to get a lawyer (even if you are listed at fault on the crash report).
AT THE SCENE
If it is safe, you can exchange insurance information with the other side at the scene of the crash. It is better to let the police come to the scene and do this for you. If the other driver will not share their insurance information take a picture of their license plate. I have a way to run someone’s tag to track down insurance. This is especially relevant for a hit and run car crash. Get the other person’s tag! You should also call the police and file a report. They might be able to track the other car down.
The safest course of action is to hire a personal injury lawyer. I know that I am biased, but I’ve seen it too many times where insurance runs roughshod on someone that is unrepresented. I have handled close to four thousand auto accident claims. Unrepresented parties maybe have had one or two. It is just too dangerous to think a multi-billion-dollar corporation is going to help you.
For further information or questions email me at bdettman@dettmanlawgroup.com. I am a personal injury lawyer based in Louisville, Kentucky.
