What to do After and Auto Accident
What to do after and Auto Accident
Art Glasgow ~ Peck-Glasgow Insurance
When you are involved in an auto accident, who is the first person that you should contact? It is definitely not the lawyer you see on TV! The first contact should always be for the police. Getting
emergency service professionals, such as the police involved immediately can create documentation needed to get your automobile and your life back in order as soon as possible.
One in eight drivers will be involved in an auto accident each year according to the National Safety Council. Knowing what to do makes life a lot simpler following an accident. First, make sure that
you don’t leave the scene of an accident until being released by the law enforcement officer in charge of the accident scene. Next check for injuries to yourself, your passengers and the driver and passengers of the other vehicle. Then call the Police.
Police emergency services will ask you:
- Your exact location
- If there are any injuries
- If there are any disabled vehicles
- If the accident is blocking traffic
- Warn approaching motorists by:
- Turning on your vehicle’s flashers if operable
- Setting up flares or other reflective devices, starting 50 feet behind your vehicle (Don’t use flares near leaking auto fluids)
Use common sense; Move your vehicle to the side of the road if it’s creating a hazard. Don’t get out of your vehicle if the area you’re in appears unsafe
Interacting with other drivers
Remain calm and courteous
Don’t accept fault for the accident
Let police officers determine liability
Have your license, registration and insurance card available
Don’t accept monetary compensation at the accident scene
Don’t discuss the specifics of the accident with anyone except a police officer or your insurance agent
Tying something white or light colored to the antenna of your vehicle o Raising the hood of your vehicle
While at the accident scene, collect information. Get the other drivers name, address and drivers license information. Collect information on the other vehicles such as make model, VIN number, tag number etc. Make sure you gather information on the accident
scene, when the vehicles stopped, the signs and locations of the roads and any other topography that may pertain to the accident. Observe the time of day and the weather. Look for witnesses and gather their names and contact information.
Draw a diagram of the accident scene with location of vehicles. Also make sure you collect the name of the law enforcement officer, any case number or identification numbers and contact information.
Finally, call you Independent Insurance Agent after you have completed things at the accident scene. Report the accident to your agent or the company. Manny companies now offer 24 hour claims reporting services for your convenience. Ask your agent about
the claims process and what to expect. Your insurance agent should be able to assist you if needed with contact information, and facilitating the claims process. Remember, your agent can be a huge asset in a claims situation.