Its called an accident for a reason.
Theyre not planned, and arent typically a positive experience. Spilling coffee all over your cell phone or leaving the house with two different shoes could certainly make for a long day. An auto accident, while scary, can be taken care of quickly and easily, if you know the correct steps. Here is a brief look at what to do when faced with that vehicular predicament.
1. Insurance
Before you even set foot in that car, you need to make sure you have insurance. Not having any will cause major stress and problems if an accident were to occur. If you do have auto insurance, then you need to make sure to keep a copy of your information (provider/policy number/phone number) not only in your glove compartment, but your purse or wallet as well.
2. Is everyone ok?
After the accident, make sure its safe to get out of the car, and find out if anyone is injured. If you or anyone else is seriously hurt, call 911 immediately. If it turns out everyone is ok, and the cars are still drivable, then move them to a safer place, preferably out of traffic.
3. Call the police
Once everyone has been checked out, call the police. Typically, they will ask you where you are, if anyone is hurt and the types of vehicles involved in the accident. In general, its good practice to get a police report, so that theres official documentation for the insurance companies. Be careful, too, of people trying to dissuade you from calling for help. They might offer a friend or relative who will be able to fix your repairs, but might not be trustworthy. If its just a fender bender, however, the police might not come. If thats the case, take everyones information, and head over to the police station to fill out a report.
4. Contact your insurance company
Many people say that no matter the severity of the accident, its best to contact the insurance company ASAP. Some people, however, say that if its a minor fender bender, and theres minimal damage, then theres no need to make the call. Those people that are against picking up the phone are probably worried about an increase in their rates, which in many cases wont happen unless its your fault. If you decide to call, do so within a day, because any procrastination on your part could be an indirect sign of guilt.
5. Get as much info as you can
If you have a mobile phone with camera, tak e as many pictures as you can. The additional details will be helpful to insurance companies, who are diligently trying to decipher what went on - especially if a police officer doesnt show up. If an officer doesnt come, make sure to get the information on all vehicles involved, like name, contact information and insurance information. Also, try and write down any other details of the accident while its still fresh in your head. Within a day or two, the claims person will call and want to know everything - down to which direction you were heading - and if you were too shaken up to recall, you might forget key details.
6. Do not admit fault
Admitting you were to blame for the accident might be out of emotion, and not necessarily fact. Finding out if everyone is alright and showing concern is ok, but if you say it was your fault, and it turns out you werent actually to blame, then you could cost yourself, as well as your insurance agency, a lot of money. Just show compassion, exchange information (if police dont show), and try not to answer questions or make many statements.
7. Watch your repairs
Keep track of your cars repairs, because while your insurance company might ask for alternative parts for your vehicle, you have the right to ask for original manufacturer parts to be put in. Also, if the other driver tries to contact you, politely tell them that your insurance company is handling it, and to give them a call. The same goes for the other drivers insurance company. If they get a hold of you, talk to your claims representative and ask for the best course of action.
So the next time you find yourself in an accident, whether youre at fault or not, the key is to stay calm, check on everybody, and leave it to the police and insurance companies to handle the dirty work.
Theyre not planned, and arent typically a positive experience. Spilling coffee all over your cell phone or leaving the house with two different shoes could certainly make for a long day. An auto accident, while scary, can be taken care of quickly and easily, if you know the correct steps. Here is a brief look at what to do when faced with that vehicular predicament.
1. Insurance
Before you even set foot in that car, you need to make sure you have insurance. Not having any will cause major stress and problems if an accident were to occur. If you do have auto insurance, then you need to make sure to keep a copy of your information (provider/policy number/phone number) not only in your glove compartment, but your purse or wallet as well.
2. Is everyone ok?
After the accident, make sure its safe to get out of the car, and find out if anyone is injured. If you or anyone else is seriously hurt, call 911 immediately. If it turns out everyone is ok, and the cars are still drivable, then move them to a safer place, preferably out of traffic.
3. Call the police
Once everyone has been checked out, call the police. Typically, they will ask you where you are, if anyone is hurt and the types of vehicles involved in the accident. In general, its good practice to get a police report, so that theres official documentation for the insurance companies. Be careful, too, of people trying to dissuade you from calling for help. They might offer a friend or relative who will be able to fix your repairs, but might not be trustworthy. If its just a fender bender, however, the police might not come. If thats the case, take everyones information, and head over to the police station to fill out a report.
4. Contact your insurance company
Many people say that no matter the severity of the accident, its best to contact the insurance company ASAP. Some people, however, say that if its a minor fender bender, and theres minimal damage, then theres no need to make the call. Those people that are against picking up the phone are probably worried about an increase in their rates, which in many cases wont happen unless its your fault. If you decide to call, do so within a day, because any procrastination on your part could be an indirect sign of guilt.
5. Get as much info as you can
If you have a mobile phone with camera, tak e as many pictures as you can. The additional details will be helpful to insurance companies, who are diligently trying to decipher what went on - especially if a police officer doesnt show up. If an officer doesnt come, make sure to get the information on all vehicles involved, like name, contact information and insurance information. Also, try and write down any other details of the accident while its still fresh in your head. Within a day or two, the claims person will call and want to know everything - down to which direction you were heading - and if you were too shaken up to recall, you might forget key details.
6. Do not admit fault
Admitting you were to blame for the accident might be out of emotion, and not necessarily fact. Finding out if everyone is alright and showing concern is ok, but if you say it was your fault, and it turns out you werent actually to blame, then you could cost yourself, as well as your insurance agency, a lot of money. Just show compassion, exchange information (if police dont show), and try not to answer questions or make many statements.
7. Watch your repairs
Keep track of your cars repairs, because while your insurance company might ask for alternative parts for your vehicle, you have the right to ask for original manufacturer parts to be put in. Also, if the other driver tries to contact you, politely tell them that your insurance company is handling it, and to give them a call. The same goes for the other drivers insurance company. If they get a hold of you, talk to your claims representative and ask for the best course of action.
So the next time you find yourself in an accident, whether youre at fault or not, the key is to stay calm, check on everybody, and leave it to the police and insurance companies to handle the dirty work.
If youre in the m arket for a new or pre-owned car, truck or SUV, visit your local Acura dealer at Mullers Woodfield Acura in Hoffman Estates. For quality and professional service, please call to set up an appointment.
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