What to Do if Someone Denies Hitting Your Car in the UK?

Discovering your car has been hit is distressing enough on its own, but the situation can become progressively more stressful if the responsible party denies any involvement, or worse, blames you for any damage.

If you find yourself in such a predicament, there’s no use getting into a pointless confrontation with the other driver; your job is now to gather relevant documentation to prove the other party’s fault in causing the incident. In doing so, you’ll be ensuring that you don’t end up footing the bill for a costly repair job, as well as a potentially higher insurance premium to boot.

But where to begin? In the following blog, we're going to take a look at all of the key steps to take if someone denies hitting your car, including all the documentation you need to build a strong, winning case. Let’s take a look!

Steps to Take Right After the Accident

‍

Before we take a closer look at the steps below, it’s important to remain calm and reasoned before jumping into this process. When another driver is refusing to admit fault, it’s easy to see red in the heat of the moment; however, it's essential to remain calm and collected. Your primary goal isn’t to get angry, but to a) ensure everyone is safe and b) to begin the information and evidence-gathering process. Here are your first few important steps to take:

Gather Evidence

Evidence will be your most robust ally in these situations, particularly if the other party is refusing to admit fault. Here are some forms of documentation that can help you build your case:

• Photos: Immediately start by taking clear, comprehensive photographs of the damage to your car. This should include wide-angle shots to establish the location, as well as close-ups of any dents, scratches, or other damage. If there are skid marks or debris on the road, photograph these as well.
• Nearby Vehicles: Many vehicles today are fitted with dashcams. If there were vehicles around during the accident, their owners might have captured the incident. While it might not be possible to approach them on the spot, noting down number plates can be a starting point to retrieve potential footage later.
• Witnesses Contact Information: If there were any bystanders or pedestrians who witnessed the accident, approach them politely and ask if they would be willing to provide a statement about the incident. Even a short account of what they saw can be immensely beneficial to your case, so get their contact details, (including names, phone numbers, and addresses) if they're willing to share them.

Contact the Police

In the UK, if someone is refusing to exchange insurance details or denying their involvement in a car accident, it's always a good idea to involve the police. Not only does this create an official record of the incident, but the police may also be able to assist in mediating the situation. However, ensure you do this non-confrontationally, explaining to the other party that it's a necessary step given the circumstances.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Whether the other party admits fault or not, always inform your insurance company about the accident, and provide them with all the evidence you’ve gathered, including photos and witness details. They will guide you on the next steps and, in many cases, will liaise directly with the other driver's insurance company to ensure the best outcome. Your insurance provider may also discover avenues for non fault accident compensation, particularly if the evidence is in your favour.

Dealing with Insurance Disputes

If the other driver continues to deny responsibility - and their insurance company disputes the claim - it's crucial to be prepared. Firstly, you’ll want to ensure all communication with the insurance company is in writing, either through emails or formal letters. This provides a clear record of the conversations and the company's stance on the matter.

Continue this documentation process even if you feel the situation is escalating. Remember, the more evidence and documentation you have, the stronger your position will be if matters reach legal proceedings.

Documenting all Communication

Secondly, maintaining a clear record of all interactions relating to the incident is paramount. This includes conversations with the other driver, witnesses, your insurance provider, and potentially law enforcement.

Every time you have a phone conversation with any party involved, make a note of the date, time, the person you spoke to, and a summary of what was discussed. If your insurance company sends you any communication via post or email, keep these documents organised and easily accessible.

Should the need arise, this thorough documentation can prove invaluable in clarifying timelines, establishing patterns of communication, or highlighting discrepancies in statements.

When to Get Help

When it comes to certain accidents and insurance disputes - particularly one where fault is being disputed - the stress may exceed the boundaries of what you can manage alone. If you feel overwhelmed, it's important to recognise when to seek help, and what avenues are available to aid you during the process:

Legal Advice

If the other party is vehemently denying fault and you believe you have a strong case, it might be time to seek legal counsel. A solicitor specialising in road traffic accidents can provide guidance, assess the strength of your case, and recommend the best course of action.

Claims Management Companies

There are thousands of Claims Management Companies in the UK dedicated to managing the claims process on behalf of individuals; these companies can liaise with insurance companies, gather additional evidence, and even arrange for vehicle repairs. When considering this route, research potential companies carefully and look into their success rates with non-fault accident compensation claims.

Support Groups

The emotional toll of an accident can be heavy, especially when you feel wronged. Support groups, both online and offline, can offer a space to share experiences, gain advice, and feel validated in your feelings and frustrations. Non-profit organisations like the Citizens Advice Bureau can also be helpful.