What Happens If You’re at Fault in a Car Accident? Legal Steps and Your Rights Explained

Irion Dekov
11 minutes ago
3 min read

No one plans to crash their car. But sometimes, accidents happen — and yes, sometimes it’s your fault. That doesn’t mean your life is over. It just means you need to know what to do next. Here's a step-by-step guide that breaks it all down in simple terms.

First things first: Make sure everyone is alright.

Stay calm immediately following the accident. Breathe deeply. Next, see if anyone is hurt, either in your car or the other one. Make a call to emergency services if someone needs assistance.

You should call the police even if no one is harmed. Generally speaking, having a formal report of what transpired is safer. Additionally, if the car is blocking the road, move it out of the way as safely as possible.

Swap Details with the Other Driver

Once things are calm, it’s time to share information. You’ll need the other driver’s name, phone number, license plate, and insurance company. They’ll need yours too.

Don’t say “sorry” or admit fault, even if you think it, was your mistake. Now is not the time to place blame; instead stick to the facts. Take pictures of the vehicles, the damage, and anything else that could shed light on what happened.

Report the Accident to the Police

In many countries, including Poland and the UK, you're required to report an accident if someone is injured or if there’s serious damage.

Even though it's not required by law, having a police report helps in the future, particularly when filing insurance claims. For future use, request a copy of the report from the police, or at the very least, the case number.

Give Your Insurance Company a Call

As soon as you can, give your insurance company a call. Tell the truth. Even if you caused the accident, tell them what happened. You are the best person to tell them the whole story.

They will request details, pictures, and possibly a copy of the police report. They can resolve it more quickly if you give them everything at once.

What You're Responsible For

If the crash was your fault, your liability insurance will usually cover the other person’s damage and medical bills.

However, you may be responsible for the remaining amount if your insurance is not enough. Although dealing with that early on is better than ignoring it, it can be stressful. Remember that even if you caused the accident, you still have rights.

You Stil Have Your Legal Rights

You do not lose all control just because you are at fault. Claims that you believe to be unfair can be contested. You can request evidence, for instance, if someone claims their car was more damaged than it actually was.

Blame is frequently shared; one driver isn't always completely at fault. That's why, having documentation such as photographs and the police report is helpful.

When to Call a Lawyer

Sometimes things get complicated. Maybe someone’s suing you, or the insurance company isn’t helping much.

If you’re unsure or feel overwhelmed, it’s okay to talk to a lawyer. They can explain your rights, help you deal with court stuff, and give you peace of mind. A short consultation can save you a lot of stress later on.

How to Limit the Damage

After the crash, your goal is to keep things from getting worse. Get in touch quickly with your insurance company. Keep copies of all the documents, emails, and messages. And don’t ignore any letters or court notices — that only makes things harder. Also, if the other driver wants to settle the issue without going to court, and it seems fair, you might want to consider a settlement.

Learn and Move On

Being at fault is hard and crashes are scary. However, the majority of us have made mistakes along the way. What you do next is what counts most. Take something away from it. Think about the cause of the accident. Speeding? Not paying attention? Next, focus on improving your driving skills and safety. Some even sign up for defensive driving courses, which can occasionally lower your insurance rate.

Final Thoughts

Accidents happen, and nobody wants to cause them. It's important that you know your rights, take the necessary steps, and take the best possible care of yourself.

Speak with your insurance provider, call the police, and, if necessary, seek legal assistance. Additionally, keep in mind that it's not the end of the world. The next time, you will be smarter.