Things You'll Need:
- pen
- paper
- disposable camera or cell phone camera
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Step 1
Accidents can happen anytime and usually will when you least expect it. Let's skip the steps for avoiding a car accident and assume one has happened. What do you do now? Well the first step is to breathe and check in with everyone in your car. If it was a heavy impact and anyone hit their head it is better that no one moves. If anyone has a neck injury even a small movement can make the injury much worse. If someone else is there tell them you are hurt and to call 911 then just wait for help.
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Step 2
Lets assume the accident was a typical fender bender and no-one was injured. Next step would be to call the police. No matter how minor the accident police should be involved so there is record made of it in case your insurance company needs it. Take out your camera before anyone moves their cars and take a quick picture of the cars positions, the area of the accident, and the other person's license plate. These pictures will be invaluable if there is any later question about whose fault the accident was. A picture says a thousand words and is able to be used to prove what happened without the emotions of the involved parties.
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Step 3
Take notice of people around. It is especially important for accidents in a parking lot or at an intersection to find witnesses. The person in the accident with you can seem like the nicest person in the world and tell you it was their fault but many times people change their stories. No one wants to be at fault for an accident so they often will not admit fault when talking to their insurance company. A witness is a perfect way to prove who is right. The key to a witness is that they don't know either party. They can not be someone in your car or your friend. Witnesses are often the car in front or behind you, look for businesses around with windows that view the accident scene, or people who come to see if you are ok may have also seen the accident. This is where your pen and paper comes in - get these people name and phone number and address if they will give it to you. Save this info for your insurance company claims rep when they call you.
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Step 4
If your car is driveable after you take the basic pictures then move it off the road to a safer position. Last thing you need is to have someone else join the accident scene by your vehicle being in the way. Once at a safe place then you will want t try to get info from the other driver. You will want to get, in order of importance, name, insurance company, policy number, phone number, address, type of car they are driving. Sometimes the other driver is irate and will not give you anything, that is ok. Don't argue just go back into your car and wait for the police. The police will get all the information and you and your insurance company can get what you need from that. Also don't forget you took a picture of the other persons license plate and your insurance company can get the info they need just from this if it becomes necessary.
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Step 5
When the police come just stay calm. They will talk to both of you one at a time and it will go faster if you stay calm. When it is your turn tell just the facts. Give them any witness info you found. The police do not judge who is at fault for the accident. They are there to make a report of the info and give out citations if necessary.
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Step 6
Last step is once the police are done and tell you to go then go straight home and call your insurance to make a claim. Your insurance will assign you a claims rep that will help you through the process.
Comments
claimman said
on 10/1/2009 I have worked as a claims adjuster for 15 years & this advise is Right on the Money. A great & helpful one to forward to all of yours friends in your inbox. Drive safely!
jlet1 said
on 9/30/2009 great advise.. very helpful
h4x04 said
on 9/17/2009 Wow those are good ideas. The last time I had one, I just called the cops and they came and told me my insurance was crap and that it was my fault. Next time I'll just do this. Thanks so much!
plb59 said
on 9/17/2009 Really good tips. In fact, I think I will print this out and put it in my kid's vehicles. It's so easy to forget the simplest things after an accident and the camera idea is great! We all have cameras on the phone anymore.
maxie7 said
on 9/17/2009 the reason of so many accidents nowadays is the stress of the drivers, the fact that in many countries driving license can be bought(bride) and that to many women are becoming drivers(scary women).
this is a nice article, very helpful.