By Christopher Glomp, InsuranceAgnets.com Staff Writer
Since most states require all drivers to carry at least a minimum of liability car insurance, many drivers understand the importance of having an auto insurance policy. Responsible drivers carry collision, comprehensive, and other additional insurances to supplement the legal requirements. Having a solid insurance policy is important to protect you financially in the event of an accident. However, simply having car insurance does not prepare you for the emotional and physical distress that may occur if you are involved in an accident. Knowing what to do and preparing in advance is your best strategy for dealing with the unexpected. Drivers that remain calm during an accident will be better able to make important decisions and ensure that they act appropriately. To make sure you have the best coverage possible for accident protection, you can compare 5 quotes right now from car insurance companies.
Immediately After The Accident
If your vehicle is still drivable and no one in your vehicle has been seriously injured, safely maneuver it to a safe position nearby and out of traffic. (Do not leave the scene—in most areas it is illegal to leave the scene of an accident in which one has been involved.) Turn your vehicle off. Health and safety are the primary concerns after an accident. Drivers involved in an accident should immediately assess whether or not anyone has been injured in the accident—if you are not certain of the severity of an injury, call 911 and request emergency medical care. It is not advisable to move anyone who has been seriously injured in an auto accident—doing so may cause or aggravate injuries.
Once any injuries have been evaluated and addressed, you need to attend to other details—the paperwork. Emotions often run high after an accident. Do not suggest or admit blame for an accident—leave that determination to the police and the insurance companies. Try to remain calm and conduct yourself appropriately, even if you feel another driver was in error. (You will need to exchange important insurance information with the other parties involved; an adversarial relationship may not elicit cooperation and communication with other drivers when necessary.)
If police are not already responding to the accident where there are injuries, they should be called. If no one is injured, calling a police non-emergency number is appropriate, if available in your area. Otherwise, dial 911. Notify the police dispatcher of the circumstances of the accident, the location, and any other important details. In some cases, an officer will respond to the scene and fill out an accident report. In cases where the damage is minor and no injuries have occurred, you may be asked to drive to a nearby police station or other facility to fill out an accident report. Do not skip this step—an accident report is often a key component of an insurance claim or settlement.
Exchanging Information And Documenting The Details
You will need to exchange valid insurance information with all parties involved in the accident. Make sure to record as many important details about the drivers and vehicles as possible, including make and model of vehicles, license plate numbers, their insurance company, policy holder name, and names and phone numbers of the drivers of the vehicles—note the relationship between the driver and the policy holder if they are not the same.
Make as many notes about the circumstances of the accident as you can, including speeds, weather conditions, time and location, details of specific damage to each vehicle, etc. If there are any witnesses to the accident, record their name and contact information, as they may be willing to testify in court or give a statement to an insurance company claims officer. It is recommended that you keep a notebook or a pre-printed form in your vehicle near your insurance information for the purpose of recording this information. It is also recommended that you carry a small disposable camera in your vehicle at all times, which can be used to photograph the accident scene and other specific details such as vehicle damage—or, if your mobile phone is equipped with a camera you can use that as well.
Remember to gather as many important facts and details as possible—this may be your only opportunity to do so. Do not leave the accident scene before the police have arrived and a copy of an accident report has been provided to you. If possible, notify your auto insurance agent immediately. Ask your agent if they would like you to collect any additional specific details that will facilitate the claims process.
What Happens Next?
Once the car accident has been documented and all parties have exchanged information, this information needs to be provided to your insurance agent as soon as possible. Your agent will be able to tell you how the process will progress and what you need to do next. This may include filing claims, providing a statement to an insurance claims adjuster, or seeking repairs to your vehicle. Make sure to communicate with your agent and other insurance personnel regularly. Ask questions if you are uncertain about how to proceed. Your car insurance agent is there to help you through this stressful and frustrating time—take advantage of their knowledge and experience in these matters. It's also in your best interests to start shopping around for a new car insurance policy since your rates will most likely increase now.
Published: Tuesday 19th May 2009
