WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 5 million motor vehicle wrecks occur every year. If you were in an accident, would you know what information you need for an insurance claim? This page contains some easy to follow tips.

Use the index below to go directly to a particular section on this page:

• Be Prepared
• After and Accident
• Filing the Claim
• More Information

From an accident to a breakdown, you should be ready for anything that can go wrong on the road. Start by refreshing your memory about what is covered by your auto insurance policy. A few important things to know: What is your deductible? Your liability limits? Is towing or a rental car covered? For an explanation of these terms and other possible coverages, check out the auto section of your life situation at InsureUonline.org.

Remember, insurance follows the car, not the driver. Always make sure there is a current copy of the insurance ID card and an accident checklist in the car. Make it easier by keeping these documents with your car registration.

The minutes and hours following an accident can be hectic and adrenaline-filled. Here are ten important things to remember in the heat of the moment:

• Remain calm.
• Assess the scene. Do not get out of your car if it is not safe to do so.
• Check for injuries.
• Call the police. Tell them where you are, what happened and if there are injuries.
• DO NOT admit fault.
• Exchange information with the other drivers. Get: NAME, ADDRESS, PHONE, INSURER’S NAME, INSURER’S PHONE and POLICY NUMBER for all of the drivers involved.
• Get names and phone numbers of witnesses.
• Take photos/video of the scene including the damage to all cars. Cell phone photos will work to document initial damage.
• Write down/record your record of the events.
• If the police respond, find out where to get a copy of the police report for your claim. If the police do not come to the scene, ask police dispatch where you can file an incident report.

You should never speak with an insurance agent about your accident as their job sole mission to pay to as little as possible.  

However,  an experience injury attorney can help navigate through the process of dealing with your injury claim.

IF YOU DECIDE TO GO AT IT OWN YOUR OWN...

When you call, have available the police report, your insurance card or declarations page, and all of the information collected at the scene.

Ask questions. Make sure you understand who's coverage pays for which damages. If there were injuries, ask if you live in a fault or no-fault state. In a no-fault state a driver does not have to prove the crash was somebody else’s fault before being reimbursed for medical expenses up to an amount listed in the policy. In a no-fault state, Personal Injury Protection or PIP will be a listed coverage on the declarations page.

If it was a multi-car accident, the insurance companies involved may investigate the circumstances of the crash. A claims adjuster will likely want to examine the damage to the car and talk with you about the accident. Your insurance company will use the adjuster’s findings as the basis of their settlement.

If it was a minor accident and the car is still drivable, the company may offer you several auto repair shops to choose from that can also act as the adjuster for the claim.

No matter how you decide to get your car fixed, keep notes of all conversations you have with various company representatives. Also keep all written material regarding the claim.