Why You Should Always Collect the Other Driver’s Information in a Fender Bender
Fender-bender accidents are often more serious than they seem. Passengers in the vehicle that is struck may suffer whiplash and other soft tissue injuries that can linger for weeks, months, and even years. Victims usually need to take time off from work to treat their injuries. The cost to repair your car can be quite expensive, depending on the severity of the crash, the type of car you have, and whether other parts of your car (such as the lights, hood, trunk, or sides of your car) suffer damage too.
Alabama’s requirement to stop, render assistance, and provide information
The duty of the driver to provide information
Providing driver’s information is more than good practical advice. In Alabama, the duty to provide driver’s information after an accident (including fender benders) is the law. In Alabama, Section 32-10-2 of the Alabama Code states that drivers who are involved in an accident that causes injury, death, or property damage must provide the following information to the accident victim and the police:
- The driver’s name
- The driver’s mailing address
- The registration plate number of the driver’s vehicle
Additional information, such as date of birth or email address, may be helpful as well.
The duty of the driver to contact the police
Drivers who injure someone or cause the death of someone also have a duty to contact the local police (County sheriff or state highway patrol) as quickly as possible. Normally, the fastest way to contact the police is by dialing 911.
The duty of the driver to render assistance after an accident
A driver who is involved in a fender bender accident also has a duty to provide:
Reasonable assistance, including the transportation of, or the making of arrangements for the transportation of such person to a physician or hospital for medical or surgical treatment, if it is apparent that such treatment is necessary or if such transportation is requested by the injured person.
The duty of the driver if the driver strikes an unattended vehicle
The driver of any motor vehicle who causes a fender bender with an unattended car (such as a parked car) must immediately stop and try to locate the operator or owner. If they can locate the operator or owner, the driver must provide their name and address. If they cannot locate the operator or owner, the driver should leave “in a conspicuous place in or on the vehicle struck” a written notice of their name, address, and a brief description of the circumstances.
What should the victim of a fender bender accident do in Tuscaloosa?
If you are the victim, you should contact the police if the driver has yet to do so. In addition to requesting the driver’s name, address, and registration plate number; you should also ask for the negligent driver’s liability insurance information. The insurance information includes the name of the insurance company, the policy number, and any other helpful information, such as the address of the insurance carrier. You can contact the police by calling 911.
If the police are called to the scene of the accident, they will normally also ask for the driver’s identity, contact, registration, and liability insurance information.
In addition to the information that Alabama law requires that drivers provide, other useful information includes the make, model, color, and year of the vehicles and the license plate numbers. It also helps if you note information about the driver’s physical characteristics, such as the height and weight of the driver, the color of the driver’s hair or eyes, the clothing the driver was wearing, and any other memorable characteristics.
We understand that asking the driver who ruined your day, your car, and your health isn’t easy. Take your time. Please remember that asking for information is quite proper. Also, remember that you should not discuss with the driver how the accident happened or who is responsible. Stick to the task at hand – getting the driver’s information (and sharing yours in return) and not any other issues unless your health or the driver’s health requires medical assistance.
Why is it necessary to obtain the responsible driver’s information after a fender-bender?
You need the driver’s name and address, and the name of his insurance company, so we can file a formal personal injury claim with the driver’s insurance company. Failing to obtain this information can make it much harder to pursue your car accident claim, even if the other driver was clearly at fault.
You should obtain the identity of any witnesses
If there are any witnesses to the accidents, such as other drivers, construction owners, nearby business owners, or bystanders, you should ask them for their contact information too. This information includes their name and either the phone number, mailing address, or email address. You should also ask for a brief description of what they saw.
At Prince Glover Hayes, we have a strong record of success holding drivers and other defendants liable for the accidents they cause. We have 45 years of experience fighting for car accident victims. We work with investigators, the police, and others to determine how car accidents happen and who is responsible. Our lawyers also work with your doctors to verify the full scope and severity of your injuries, including the treatments you’ll need and the pain and suffering you’ll have.
Please call us or complete our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.