No one wants to imagine themselves being involved in a car accident. However, in some cases, accidents are simply unavoidable. If you have been involved in a car accident, follow the tips below to handle the situation in the best way possible.
Make Sure Everyone is Safe
Immediately following a car accident, the first thing you need to do is make sure everyone in your vehicle is safe. If possible, you should also relocate to a safe place to prevent additional damage or injuries.
Call 911
The next step is to call 911, so the police and any emergency medical personnel you may need will come to your aid. When speaking to the operator, be clear about your location and the circumstances of the accident so the proper people will be dispatched.
Contact Your Insurance Agent
Although you may not be able to contact your insurance agent immediately after the accident, you should do so as soon as you can. In fact, if possible, we recommend calling your agent while you are waiting for the authorities to arrive. Calling your agent quickly after the accident ensures that the claims process will begin as soon as possible.
Collect as Much Information as Possible
After a car accident occurs, you have a limited window of time to collect evidence that could prove invaluable later. In fact, the evidence you collect may even make a difference in the outcome of your claim. Before leaving the scene, be sure to ask everyone involved to provide their name and contact information. Other drivers should provide their insurance information as well.
In addition, we recommend taking detailed pictures of the scene of the accident so you can back up your account of what happened. Be sure to take pictures of the vehicles, as well as the surrounding environment. Take pictures from more than one angle if possible.
Write Down What You Remember
The details of the accident will be freshest in your mind right after it happens. For this reason, we recommend writing down an in-depth account of the accident while you are still on the scene. Record as many details as possible and make sure your account is in chronological order.
Cooperate With Authorities
In order to prepare the police report, officers will ask you questions about the accident. Be polite and cooperative at all times. Be sure to answer questions honestly, but try not to admit fault. Before the police leave, make sure you know how to get a copy of the police report. In most cases, you will need a report number or a specific document.
Watch What You Say to Others
If you are out of your vehicle interacting with other people on the accident scene, keep your words brief and limited. Be careful not to admit any fault to any person on the scene. If possible, avoid discussing the incident with anyone other than the police.
Rely on Your Insurance Agent
After you have been involved in a car accident, your insurance agent is there to help. Your agent understands this process and will be able to act as your guide from start to finish. You can also come to your agent with any questions or concerns you may have while the claim is being processed.
No one wants to be involved in a car accident, but these incidents are sometimes unavoidable. To protect yourself in the event of an accident, you need an appropriate car insurance policy. Please contact the professionals at Binford Insurance today to discuss your needs.