Because we are not in accidents everyday of our lives when we do get in a accident we don’t always know what to do?? Here are 8 things you want to do when you are in a accident –
- Stop immediately – but if car is drivable try not to obstruct traffic
- Assist injured – Have someone call the police. You always want to contact the local police. Repeat after 5 minutes if they do not arrive.
- Secure names, phone numbers, addresses of other drivers, witnesses, and injured persons. Though the police should also obtain this information – it is also helpful to have your own copy of this information.
- Secure make, model, license numbers of all cars involved in the accident.
- Make a rough drawing or take pictures with your phone of the scene, showing position of cars and other details like location of stop signs, lights, and other traffic signs
- Don’t hastily accept claim settlement at scene of accident – either from the other party involved in the accident or from a claims representative that is NOT from your insurance company.
- Remain calm, courteous and consistent in your version of accident. If you have a record feature on your phone – you may want to record your own version of the incident while it is fresh in your mind. Describing in as much detail of what happened.
- Notify your insurance agent as soon as possible. For those of you who don’t have a insurance agent – contact your insurance company claims department directly.
If you follow these 8 simple steps you can really help yourself through the claims process. For those of you who would like a handy insurance & registration sleeve that has all this information printed right on the cover (see example in this post) click here and we will send you one FREE.
