What Is a No-Contact Car Accident?

A no-contact car accident occurs when the actions of one driver force another driver to take evasive action, leading to a crash. In these situations, the vehicles do not physically collide, but the first driver’s negligence is often the root cause of the accident. The second driver may crash into another vehicle, property, or object, resulting in damage, injuries, or both.

These types of accidents can be incredibly complex and frustrating. Insurance companies may attempt to place blame solely on the second driver, claiming that their reaction caused the accident. However, this is often inaccurate. The second driver was reacting to the negligent actions of another party, making the first driver responsible for the crash.

Understanding No-Contact Car Accidents

No-contact accidents are more common than many people realize, but they are often misunderstood. In these cases, you must prove that the other driver was at fault, which can be challenging—especially if the negligent driver leaves the scene unaware they caused the crash. When the at-fault driver leaves, the no-contact accident may also be classified as a hit-and-run accident.

Examples of No-Contact Car Accidents

No-contact car accidents can happen in a variety of ways. Some common examples include:

• A driver suddenly brakes or “brake checks,” causing you to crash.
• Another driver merges into your lane without signaling, forcing you to swerve and crash.
• A driver fails to yield or disregards traffic laws, putting you in a position where you must take evasive action and crash.

In each of these cases, the negligent driver is still responsible for the accident and resulting damages, even though no physical contact occurred. Their reckless or careless actions caused the chain of events that led to the crash.

What to Do After a No-Contact Car Accident

If the negligent driver does not stop or there are no witnesses, it may be difficult to prove fault in a no-contact car accident. However, you still have options for seeking compensation for your injuries and damages. Filing a personal injury claim can help you recover compensation, but you’ll need legal guidance to navigate this process.

If you cannot identify the at-fault driver, you may need to file a claim with your own insurance company under your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This type of coverage often includes “phantom driver” situations, where a driver causes an accident and leaves the scene without being identified.

Your Insurance Company and Collision Coverage

When involved in a no-contact accident, your insurance company may cover property damage if you have collision coverage. However, this type of insurance is not legally required in Connecticut, and not all drivers carry it. Additionally, collision coverage typically does not cover physical or mental injuries resulting from the accident.

Uninsured motorist insurance is often a better option for recovering compensation for your losses in a no-contact accident. However, working with insurance companies can be difficult, as they may try to minimize or deny your claim.

Don’t Expect Compensation Without a Fight

Whether you are dealing with your own insurance company or pursuing a claim against the at-fault party, don’t expect the process to be easy. Insurance companies aim to pay out as little as possible, and they will often try to dispute or undervalue your claim. Before agreeing to anything, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced attorney who can protect your rights and advocate for the compensation you deserve.

How Bert McDowell Injury Law Can Help

After a no-contact car accident, your first step should be to seek legal advice from a trusted attorney. At Bert McDowell Injury Law, we specialize in personal injury cases and have extensive experience handling no-contact car accidents in Connecticut.

Our team will handle the insurance companies, gather evidence, and guide you through the claims process. We can draft a demand letter detailing the circumstances of the accident, your injuries, and the damages you’ve suffered. If necessary, we will file a lawsuit to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Let us help you navigate this challenging time. Contact us today for a FREE consultation. Call us at 475-231-3274 or fill out our online form to get started.