With both car damage and bodily injury involved typically the best avenue is to go through the insurance company. Once you contact the other party's insurance company you can find out the specifics of what his policy will cover. Filing a claim against the at-fault's insurance generally should not affect your insurance rates.

Whenever you are involved in an accident you should contact both the police and the insurance companies involved. Even if the other driver is at fault and wants to take care of the damage without going through their insurance company at first they might change their mind. Generally for injuries sustained during a car collision you should seek medical attention.Minor injuries can become major.

Types of Motor Vehicle Impacts and Injuries and Auto Accident Insurance Claims is an article that you might find interesting for considering your circumstanaces.