What To Do When An Automobile Accident Occurs:Although
car accidents are more prevalent in the winter months, what you need to
do after an accident never changes. Obviously it is hard to think
clearly after a car accident so it is important to know before you get
into an accident what to do first and what questions may need answered.
The
following checklist will help you know what to do after a car accident.
It is best to review it now and then print it out and keep a copy with
you in your car.
- DETERMINE THE EXTENT OF DAMAGE AND INJURIES: Try
to stay calm. Panic can make others panic and the situation worse.
There needs to be a calm person to determine the extent of damage and to
determine if there are any injuries that need immediate medical
attention.
- FILE A CAR ACCIDENT REPORT WITH THE POLICE: Even
in a minor accident it is important to make sure there is a legal
accident report. Do not leave the scene until the police file a full
report.
- DISCUSS THE CAR ACCIDENT ONLY WITH THE POLICE: With
everyone all shook up it can be hard not to talk about what just
happened, but that can also lead to you not thinking clearly and
accurately about what happened. It is important to limit your
discussion of the accident and not to admit any fault or liability. You
should talk about the accident with the police and your insurance agent
only.
- GET THE FACTS: This
is the part most people know to do, but often forget to after the
accident for one reason or another. It is important to get names,
address, and phone numbers of everyone involved in the accident. A
description of the car and license plate number can also be helpful, but
make sure you also get their insurance company and the vehicle
identification number of their car. Don't just assume the license plate
number will do because most insurance companies only record the type of
car and the vehicle identification number, not the license plate
number.
- CALL YOUR INSURANCE AGENT: Call
your agent or insurance company's 800-number immediately, even at the
scene with the police if possible. Sometimes the police officer can
give your insurance company more accurate information rather than
information you may not be recording properly because you are upset by
the accident. This can save you a lot of time later waiting for your
claim to be processed.
- LAST BUT NOT LEAST: Call us at (704) 531-8888 or email us for your FREE ESTIMATE!
