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If you are involved in an accident it is important that
you know the proper procedure for filing an insurance
claim. You will most likely need to deal with one or more
adjusters who will determine the insurance salvage. Follow
these simple tips to make sure you have taken all the
necessary steps to collect the correct information and
follow the correct procedure.
Do your self a favor and prepare in advance. Know the
laws and the reporting requirements of the state you live
in and drive in. Always carry an accident package in your
car. It should contain paper, pen, and accident reporting
form which are available online free from the DMV.
If an accident occurs remain calm and stop your car. If
there are injuries do what you can to make the person or
persons comfortable. Call the EMT to treat any injured
parties and call the police.
If you smell gas or if the car is on fire clear all
persons away from the area. Do not move seriously injured
people unless it is a threat to their lives to leave them
where they are.
If the accident is minor and there is only property
damage and no injuries, put your hazard lights on and
drive both vehicles to a safe location at the side of the
road. Set up flare or reflective triangles in the rear and
side of the cars to ensure other motorists are aware of
your location.
Both drivers need exchange car insurance information.
You also need to exchange the names of the drivers, all
passengers in the vehicle, and any witnesses. As well as
names you should obtain complete addresses and telephone
numbers.
Next you will need to contact your insurance company
and if you feel you need to contact a lawyer now is the
time to do so.
Your car insurance company will need to collect all
pertinent information. They will need the year, make,
model, and license plate number of the other car. They
will also need the drivers name, address, telephone
number, date of birth, and his or her driver’s license
number as well as the issuing state.
If the other drive is not insured obtain as much
information as you can then notify the police. Both the
police and the insurance company will want the full names,
addresses, and phone numbers of all witnesses.
If the police attend the accident scene request a
business card from the attending officer that gives his
full name and how you might reach him.
If you have a digital camera handy take plenty of
photos. These days many people have a digital camera built
right into their cell phone which is very convenient.
As soon as you are able, write down all details
pertaining to the accident. Information such as weather
conditions, pavement conditions, visibility and lightening
could all become very important in determining who was at
fault.
You also need to record the estimated speed of both
vehicles. As well do a sketch of the accident scene
marking the direction each driver was traveling. Make
notes of things such as stop signs, traffic lights, other
vehicles on the roadway, and any obstacles.
You should also record all damage to the car and any
other property as well as all body injuries no matter how
minor they appear.
Whatever you do, do not discuss who is at fault with
the other driver. Insurance companies recommend you do not
engage in conversation about fault. Give the police
officer an account of the accident but in privacy away
from the other driver.
Remember no one can force you to give details of the
accident or admit blame. You always have the right to
consult a lawyer before answering any questions.
Let’s hope you never have to file an insurance claim.
But if you are well prepared should an accident occur you
will be much more likely to record the necessary
information to ensure that your claim proceeds smoothly.
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