If You Just had a Car Accident, This is What You Do

Just knowing the basic procedures after an accident can save you time, energy and money in the midst of your stress and frustration. InsuranceAgents.com has released a guide to help drivers get through the claims process during an already stressful time.

Check for any injuries first and foremost on you and your passenger. If there is, call 911. If not, you should follow these steps:

• Stay where you are, give a call to 911, and report that you were just involved in an auto accident. Give your name and the location of where the accident occurred. The dispatch office will send a police officer to the scene of the accident.
• Get the driver’s name and their insurance information, but do not talk about who is at fault with the other driver; the police officer will determine that through a brief investigation. However, be sure to explain everything that happened to the police officer and obtain a copy of a police report for a future claim.
• Do not accept any settlements from the driver on the spot. You could have internal damage in your car, so it’s best to have a mechanic check it out, perhaps on behalf of your insurer.
• Take some pictures of your damaged vehicle, where the driver hit your car, and the scene of the accident. This will help your insurance company, the court system, and your lawyer in many ways should there are conflicts with the appraisal, proof that there was an accident, or lawsuits.
• Be sure to phone your insurer to report an accident.

Above all, maintain honesty in a hectic situation, such as a car accident to insure that your best interests are covered by your insurer and the court of law – if it comes to that.

When you are involved in a collision with another vehicle, collision coverage covers the costs of damages and repairs to your car. Without it, you will have to pay for expensive repairs on your car. However, in many cases, the other driver will have to pay for your repairs through their liability auto insurance, also called a party claim.

If your state is deemed “no-fault” you will have to always file a claim to your insurer, even if you weren’t at fault. Keep in mind that Auto insurance companies can never make you go to their preferred repair shop. Still, an auto insurer’s recommendation would make it easier for you to get the needed repairs according to their standards, since you will be guaranteed that your car will be back in working condition.

Auto accidents can happen anytime, so it’s near impossible to be prepared for one. If you feel that you need some help with your claim, don’t hesitate to call your insurance agent or customer service to ask questions; they are there to help in such tough situations.

For more information, or for quotes from up to 5 agents, visit InsuranceAgents.com.

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