Need Advice: I Accidentally Ran a Red Light in California
I’m in a tough situation and could use some guidance. I accidentally ran a red light and ended up colliding with another car. I know it’s my fault, but I want to make this as smooth as possible. What should I communicate to my insurance?
Up until now, I’ve had a perfect driving record, but this morning it was raining. The car in front of me was making a right turn (exiting the freeway) and had a green light.
When I realized I was going to hit them, I swerved left, but my right headlight ended up hitting the left side of their bumper. Fortunately, only their bumper was damaged.
We exchanged information and took pictures of the cars, but we didn’t discuss the details of the accident at all.
Should I expect any repercussions for running the red light? Would saying I hydroplaned help my case? What’s the best approach I should take to make this as easy as possible for myself and my insurance?
The other driver seemed honest and mentioned he was just a bit “shook up.” I appreciate any advice you can offer!
It’s understandable to feel anxious after an accident, especially when it’s your first one. Here are some steps you can take to make the situation easier on yourself:
Contact Your Insurance: Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Be honest and straightforward about what happened. Provide them with all the details you have, including the weather conditions and the fact that the other driver had a green light.
Be Honest: It’s important to be truthful in your report. If you say you hydroplaned but that’s not what happened, it could cause problems later. Just explain that you ran the red light and that you were trying to avoid a collision.
Document Everything: Keep a record of everything related to the incident including photos, any notes from the scene, and the driver’s information. If you noticed any witness accounts or if there are traffic cameras, make a note of that too.
Cooperate with Authorities: If law enforcement was involved and you received a citation, follow any instructions that they provide. If not, you may want to check if any traffic tickets will be issued based on the accident.
Follow Up with the Other Driver: If the other driver seems open to it, you could follow up to see how they’re feeling and if they plan to pursue any claims. Maintaining communication might help smooth things over.
Consider Legal Advice: If you’re worried about the implications of the accident, you might want to consult with a legal professional. They can help explain any potential repercussions and advise you on the best way to proceed.
Stay Calm: While this situation is stressful, try to stay calm and collected. Accidents happen, and how you handle the aftermath can make a big difference in your peace of mind.
Lastly, make sure to follow up on your health and the health of the other driver. Sometimes injuries can appear later. Good luck, and hopefully, the situation gets resolved smoothly!