While it is an unhappy truth, most drivers will at some point be involved in an automobile accident. The first thing to do is to make sure that both you and any passengers in the car are safe and unharmed. If anyone is injured use a blanket or a coat to cover them and call 911 at once. If you cannot get to your cell phone, ask a bystander of witness to do so. DO NOT move any injured individuals. If it is nighttime, set up a flare if you have one. If you smell gas, call the fire department and move away from the area.
If you are unharmed and can walk away from the vehicle get the following information from any other drivers involved in the accident as well as any witnesses at the scene:
– Names and addresses and phone numbers
– Make and model and license plate number of all cars involved in the accident
– Driver’s license numbers
– Their auto insurance policy number as well as the name of their insurance company and agent.
You should also take these extra steps to insure that the claim is settled properly:
– Do not move your car until the police have investigated the scene.
– Use your camera or cell phone to take pictures of the damage, positions of the cars, skid marks and any other evidence you think may be helpful.
– Get a copy of the police report from the officer who responds to the scene of the accident.
– While your memory is fresh, note the time of the accident, weather, road conditions, traffic conditions and the speed of the cars involved.
– If you call a tow truck to remove your vehicle, do not give permission for any repair work. It is important that an insurance adjustor sees the car before any repairs are done.
– Write down the badge numbers of any police officers responding to the scene.
When you get home, call your insurance company to report the accident and get the claim started. If you have an independent insurance agent like Berkely Brokerage Corp., we will help to walk you through the process and see that the claim is settled quickly and you are rewarded any damages you deserve.
I am attaching an article from PIA with more information to review should you ever be involved in an automobile accident.
http://www.pia.org/COMM/sam/tools/include/QS90367.html
