How Do I Find Out if a Car Has an Accident History?
Various systems work together to keep track of a vehicle’s history. Police departments, insurance companies, and certified mechanics — among others — will report relevant information regarding accident vehicles they work on. In a state like California, with a disproportionate rate of traffic accidents, this can be valuable information in several circumstances. Your cars accident history can be found in a vehicle history report which can be requested from various services. If your vehicle was damaged in an accident, a car accident attorney can help you request the right vehicle history report to serve as evidence in your case.
Checking Your Vehicle History in California
You can learn about the accident history of a car in California by requesting a vehicle history report. To do this you will need the VIN (or Vehicle Identification Number) for your car. The VIN is a unique 17-digit serial number, made up of letters and numbers, used to identify your specific car. The digits create a code that tells you the vehicle’s origin, manufacturer, model, year, and plant information. The number is located on the edge of the dashboard, visible through the windshield on the driver’s side. The VIN can also be found on the information sticker on the driver’s door jam or on your vehicle title or registration.
With your VIN in hand, you can request a vehicle history report from various online sources. The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) provides a comprehensive list of approved online databases that can provide vehicle history reports. These databases require that you create an account and/or pay for the report, and it’s worth noting that free reports provide less vehicle information than paid reports. Your BD&J car accident attorney may already have an account on one of these sites or can recommend a specific database that will give you the information you need to support your case.
Reviewing a Vehicle History Report
A standard NMVTIS vehicle history report will include information on junk & salvage history, insurance records (total loss history), title information (ownership record), and brand history (descriptive labels that give the detailed car history). Some examples of brand categories are collisions, fire damage, flood damage, rental history, and more.
Many paid vehicle history report services include data from other sources that detail accident history, damage severity, odometer readings, and maintenance history. These reports will include information on the location of the damage with diagrams and damage ratings – where damages range from cosmetic body damage to structural damage to the frame. Depending on the purpose of your report request, these details may be important information. If you have been in a car accident and need a vehicle history report for an insurance claim, check that the system you use will give you the information you need.
What Are Vehicle History Reports Used for?
Knowing a vehicle’s history can be valuable in a variety of situations, namely, most vehicle history reports are requested by dealerships when selling used cars. Other reasons to request a car accident history report include:
- Buying a used car
- Involvement in legal actions
- Determining the value of a vehicle
- Submitting an insurance claim
California car accident attorneys will request vehicle history reports to provide evidence regarding the state of the vehicle before the accident, if the car was totaled, and the compensation value for loss or damage to property. In many situations a police report will provide the same information and is another valuable piece of evidence to collect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Request Another Person’s Car Accident Record in California?
In some cases, yes. However, California is subject to strict privacy laws, primarily governed by the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA). This act protects the release of personal information related to motor vehicle records without an individual’s consent. According to this law the purposes that permit someone to gain access to another person’s vehicle records include – government functions, vehicle safety, legitimate business needs, legal proceedings, and insurance purposes.
Will I Be Compensated for the Complete Loss of My Car in Case of Personal Injury?
Yes, if your vehicle was totaled in an accident caused by the negligence of someone else, you should be eligible to receive full compensation for the loss of your vehicle. The insurance company may require proof of damage and verification of the value of the vehicle to ensure you receive the full amount. Plan to get the accident report, a mechanical report, and a vehicle history report to back up your claim. For help collecting these documents, contact a California car accident attorney like the experienced team at BD&J.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident?
When you are the victim of a car accident try to remain calm and assess the situation. The first step is to get yourself to safety, if possible; you may need to move your car out of the way of traffic, get out of your car to move to safety, or remain in your vehicle and call for help. If you can move to safety, call for medical assistance immediately to get checked out and receive any necessary treatment.
Other important actions to take after a car accident include documenting the scene with photos and videos, calling the police or California Highway Patrol to complete an accident report, and getting in touch with a car accident lawyer. Contacting authorities and legal counsel are especially important if the accident caused significant damage, injury, or death.
How Does BD&J Help in Car Accident Cases?
The attorneys at BD&J are dedicated to helping injured clients win maximum compensation to support their full recovery. To bring in ample compensation we provide comprehensive legal support that includes accident investigation, evidence collection, communication with insurers, handling required legal documents, and more. These steps help to build a strong case with evidence that validates your claim. All the while our skilled car accident attorneys attend to the needs of victims with empathy and exceptional client service.
Fighting for the Rights of California Drivers
After a car accident caused by the negligence of another driver, you have a right to seek justice and compensation for your damages and injuries. Unfortunately, submitting an insurance claim and getting fair compensation is not always that simple. The help of a BD&J car accident attorney can be critical for building a strong case and handling any claim disputes. We have developed an excellent reputation among clients and peers in more than 20 years of serving California drivers. Our case results speak for themselves with a cumulative $2 billion* won to compensate clients. Let us help you get back on your feet, schedule a free consultation with BD&J today!
