“I crashed and the responsible party has no documents”: how to handle it to avoid ending up liable

In Argentina, navigating the aftermath of a traffic accident can be a stressful experience, often compounded by uncertainty about the correct procedures. La Nación, as a leading publication, aims to demystify this process for its readers.

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The first thing, the specialist stressed, is to prioritize the safety of the people involved.

Federico Polzoni, manager of Motor Claims at La Caja, provides essential guidance, emphasizing that the immediate priority after any collision is the safety of those involved. This includes checking for injuries and contacting emergency services without delay. Beyond immediate safety, Polzoni stresses the importance of calmly assessing the situation, properly signaling the accident site to prevent further incidents, and meticulously documenting everything.

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Photos and videos help record the position of the cars, the damage, the context of the place, traffic signs, and any other element that may be relevant to determine how the accident occurred.

Crucially, Polzoni highlights the need to photograph the scene, the vehicles' positions, and the damage before any vehicles are moved. This evidence is vital for insurance claims and determining responsibility. He also advises collecting witness information. For accidents involving a third party, exchanging basic details like names, contact information, license plate numbers, and insurance data is paramount. This thorough documentation, including photos of vehicle registration and insurance documents, streamlines the claims process significantly.

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Having this complete information from the beginning helps make the claims management much more agile and simple.

When faced with a party unwilling to share documentation, Polzoni advises against confrontation. Instead, the focus should be on recording the license plate, taking photos, and gathering all possible evidence. Even with incomplete information, reporting the incident to the insurer is still necessary. This practical advice, offered by La Nación, empowers drivers to handle difficult situations with greater confidence and legal protection.

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In those cases, it is recommended to record the license plate of the vehicle, take photos, and gather all possible evidence about the event.