What to Do If I'm Fully at Fault in a Car Accident?
3 Answers
If you are fully at fault in an accident, you should bear full liability for compensation. If the vehicle is insured with compulsory traffic insurance and commercial third-party liability insurance, the insurance company will first cover the compensation within the coverage limits, and any remaining amount will be paid by the at-fault party. Compensation items in a traffic accident mainly include medical expenses, lost wages, nursing fees, transportation costs, accommodation fees, meal subsidies during hospitalization, nutrition fees, appraisal fees, disability compensation, disability aid equipment costs, funeral expenses, living expenses for dependents, death compensation, and consolation payments for mental distress. Basis: Article 17 of the "Interpretation of the Supreme People's Court on Several Issues Concerning the Application of Law in the Trial of Personal Injury Compensation Cases" states that if a victim suffers personal injury, the compensation obligor shall compensate for various expenses incurred due to medical treatment and the reduction in income caused by lost work, including medical expenses, lost wages, nursing fees, transportation costs, accommodation fees, meal subsidies during hospitalization, and necessary nutrition fees.
I was quite flustered when I was at fault in a car accident, but I had to stay calm. First, ensure safety by pulling over to the side of the road and turning on the hazard lights. Then, check if the other party is injured—if so, call 120 for emergency assistance. Next, take photos for evidence, including damage to both vehicles, a panoramic view of the scene, and road markings to avoid future disputes. Immediately exchange information, such as the other party’s name, phone number, and insurance company, and record it on your phone. Then, report the incident to your insurance company—since I was at fault, I proactively contacted them to file a claim, and they guided me on the next steps. If the accident is severe, you must also call the police, and the traffic police will determine liability and issue a report. The subsequent repairs and claims process may take some time—for example, the insurance payout process could take weeks, and choosing an approved repair shop can save hassle. Driving safely is the top priority, and I’ll pay more attention to blind spots to reduce similar accidents in the future.
After being at fault in a car accident, prioritizing safety is crucial. Park the car, turn on hazard lights, and ensure no one is injured—seek immediate help if there are casualties. Taking photos is essential: capture comprehensive shots of vehicle damage, road positioning, and both license plates, leaving no detail out. When exchanging contact and insurance information, record the other party’s details carefully for smoother follow-up communication. Notify your insurer about the at-fault situation, providing accident photos and a statement—they’ll handle the claims process; involve the police if necessary to obtain an official report. For repairs, I opted for an insurer-recommended shop to avoid complications, as compensation is typically covered. Reflecting on this incident, I remind myself to avoid distractions like phone use or aggressive acceleration while driving, and to regularly check my vehicle’s condition as a preventive measure.
