Car Accidents
What to do after a car accident?
Car drivers often make costly errors after being involved in an automotive accident. Questions come to mind faster than you can cope with them. Questions such as:
- Who’s at fault here?
- Is my car repairable? Will it be the same as before?
- What are my responsibilities?
- What do I do now?
This tips will help you to have a calm and informed reaction to your car accident, and it will reduce your chances for added expenses and frutrations.
Move your vehicle to a safe place out of the flow of traffic. If you can’t move your cars, then turn on your hazard lights to reduce any chance that other vehicles colliding with your car and causing additional damages and injuries. Be aware that some state or local statutes require the vehicle be left as is. In such a case, do not move your vehicle.
Stop and identify yourself to the other driver. This is often the hardest part. Emotions run high after an auto accident, and it can be difficult to remain friendly, civil, and level-headed. Most importantly, you should discover if any injuries have occured.
Seek out medical help if you or others require it, and notify the police. Tell the police who and where you are. Inform them about any injuries requiring medical attention. Even if the injuries are only claimed injuries.
Exchange information with the other driver(s) including driver’s license numbers. Get the driver’s:
- Name
- Address
- Telephone numbers (home, work, and mobile phone)
- Name of insurance companies and policy numbers
Get the names, addresses, and phone numbers of any passengers and witnesses. Witnesses are helpful if a disagreement arises regarding the particulars of the accident. It’s a good idea to have witnesses send copies of their version of the accident.
Photograph and Document the Accident Scene. Use a camera to document any and all damage to all the involved vehicles. Some photos should show the positions of both vehicles, as well as any relevant traffic signals, signs, and intersecting roadways. This information will be useful when making your case to a claims adjuster.
Get names and badge numbers of any police officers who arrive at the scene. If there are injuries or extensive damage, the police should file a “Police Accident Report”. Ask to get a copy of this police report.
Avoid any extensive discussions about who’s responsible for the damages. These matters will be handled by the insurance companies, so don’t get into prolonged discussions or admissions at the accident scene. Even if the other person admits responsibility, or offers you a monetary settlement and you accept, then it is possible that any future claims against them may be compromised. You or others may discover further damages or injuries that weren’t obvious or apparent at the time of the accident.
Write a complete description of the accident as soon as you can. In addition to the “Police Accident Report” many states require you to file a civilian accident report with your state’s motor vehicle department. Copies of these forms can be acquired from your insurance company or from your local state motor vehicle department office or web site. Information your should note at the scene of the accident are the directions the cars were travelling in, any side streets you or they may have been travelling on, any traffic control signs or lights, how fast you were travelling and how fast you think the other vehicle(s) were going, and the weather conditions at the time. Gather as much information as you can.
Have the vehicle towed or driven to a collision repair facility of your choice. Perhaps you are a AAA member? You can call and have them send a tow truck to move your vehicle, or you could have them recommend a vehicle collison office. Additonally, you can look for businesses that are registered with the Automotive Service Association. Just look for the ASA logo in the Yellow Pages or the red, white and blue ASA sign.
