What do you do when you have been in a car accident? If you don't know, you could panic and regret later what you did not do. Fortunately, my father has been an insurance adjuster for many years and drilled into the heads of his four children what TO do in case of an accident. Here are some points that will help you if you learn them before you are in a crisis situation. I can tell you from first-hand knowledge that you won't be thinking clearly when you see someone slam inito the side of your car and you can't do anything but steel yourself for the ongoing impact and wonder how badly you will be hurt. So, the wise move is to review these points BEfORE and IF it happens to you.
- Stop your vehicle and, if necessary, move it to a safe position near the location of the accident. The law requires that you stop at the accident scene; failure to do so could result in a traffic ticket or a warrant for your arrest. You certainly don't want to add to your troubles.
- If your vehicle isn't drivable, call a towing company to move your vehicle. Get the name, address, and phone number of the towing company and the name of the person that arrives from the towing company.
- Check all involved parties for injuries. Anyone who can walk should move to a safe location and if necessary, call 911 for medical assistance. They will answer quickly and assure you that an emergency vehicle will be coming to your site of the accident.
- Exchange contact information (names, addresses, and phone numbers) with all parties involved in the accident. Most people know this, but you may have to coach someone if they don't.
- Get the year, make, model, license plate number, insurance carrier, and insurance policy number for all vehicles involved. You MUST do this step to expedite the process of repairing your vehicle and it gives something to do while you are waiting for the police to come.
- Identify any witnesses to the accident and gather their contact information. If there are none, just sit quietly and try to calm down.
- Contact the police. The police will advise you if their response to the scene is necessary and also contact the police if the accident involves a hit and run, if there are injuries to people, or if it is apparent that liability will be disputed. If police are present at the scene of the accident, get the police officer's name, phone number, and the police report number. You WILL need this information, I assure you, if there are conflicting stories on the police report that the policeman will take down from your testimony and that of the other party/parties involved in the accident.
- Do not admit fault. Give details of the accident and cooperate with the police in providing answers to their questions. Do not say, "It was my fault!" Let the officer and/or the insurance company determine that. You can be agreeable, but don't admit fault.
- If you have a camera in your possession, take photos of the damage to the vehicle, accident scene, and people involved. You need to make sure that you have adequate evidence. Your photos may catch details that others missed.
- As soon as possible, contact your insurance agent and report the accident and ask them if there is any other information that you will need to file a claim.
In summary, here are some quick tips in case of an emergency you should always have in your car with you:
Always carry your insurance ID card and vehicle registration.
Keep a list of emergency contacts at all times.
Have a medical card with you if you have allergies to any medication, or have a condition that requires special attention.
Pens or pencils.
Paper or a note pad.
Flashlight.
Flares.
First-aid kit.
Blanket.
Jumper cables.
Rag or paper towels.
Trash bag.
Disposable camera or digital camera.
Having these few things with you will be of comfort in a time of pure stress. If your vehicle can be repaired, great. If not, just remember, if you walk away with no one harmed from the accident, that is priceless.
Oh my gosh, I've been in a wreck, who do I talk to?
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