What To Do If You Have A Car Accident
Car Accidents happen to even the best drivers so forget the blame and think safety.
If you do get into an accident, Stay calm, keep a clear head and you will get through it with as little added stress as possible. The best policy is to plan ahead and have everything you need when and if you need it. Here are some simple steps.
First, If you are in an accident make sure everyone in the car including yourself is not injured. If someone is injured, call 911
Move your car Safely out of the way of traffic, but if you can’t move your car without causing further damage, don’t try. Contact a tow truck to move it for you and your insurance company should cover the cost.
If it’s just a minor fender bender you don’t need to call the police but you may want to get a picture with your phone for your records.
Plan ahead, before you have an accident.
You are required by law to have proof of your insurance with you so keep a copy of your insurance information in your car. Along with your spare tire make sure to have road flares or reflective triangles in the trunk. They will be invaluable when you are stopped on the road at night. Also keep a flashlight or have an app on your phone that acts as one. Keep your contacts up to date and have someone to call to help out in an emergency. You can make a deal with a friend to act as each others emergency wing-man.
At The Scene of the Accident
When you talk to the other driver involved in the accident don’t apologize or explain what happened. You don’t want to admit fault and say you’re sorry. You would have avoided the accident if you could have and assume that’s true for the other driver too.
You do need to trade information so get the right information for the Insurance Company to process the claim. You need the facts about the other driver and the vehicle they were driving. Get their Name, Address, Phone number, Email address of the driver from their license and insurance card. You also need the Make, Model and Year of the car, their Insurance carrier and Insurance policy number.
Take photos of: The damage to your vehicle, the Accident scene and location. Or write it down.
If the police come to the scene get the officer’s information: Name, Badge or ID number, Phone number, Police report number and make sure to ask the police for a copy of the accident report.
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