Here's what you should do after a car accident
There are many reasons why a road accident occurs, such as the imprudence of one of the parties, neglect, natural causes or mechanical failures. Therefore, given the possibility of their occurrence, it is best to be prepared. But what can you do in case of an accident, call the police, call the insurance company? Also, Here's what to do after a car accident. Pay close attention to what we will explain next.
- Who pays for the accident damages?
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Here's what to do after a car accident
- First step: check that you are not injured
- Second step: check that the passengers are not injured
- Third step: get safe and do the same with the passengers and the car
- Step Four: Call 911
- Step Five: Wait for help to arrive
- Step Six: Exchange information with the other people involved
- Step Seven: Document the incident
- Step Eight: Inform your insurance company to initiate the application process
- What You Should Do After a Car Accident: Conclusions
Who pays for the accident damages?
Probably one of the first things you want to know is who will pay the damages.
If the accident was minor, you and the other drivers can decide to take care of the damage without involving an insurance company. But this isn't always the best option, for various reasons.
Even if the other driver agrees to compensate for the damage suffered by your car on the day of the accident, seeing the repair bills they may decide not to do so because they are deemed too high. For this moment, It's been a while and your insurance company will have a harder time gathering evidence to analyze your claim.
Also, keep in mind that you have no way of knowing if the other driver will change their mind and report the accident to their insurance company. You can also claim injuries that weren't evident at the scene of the accident. This means that your insurance company may end up paying you large compensation or, worse, you may be involved in a lawsuit. So make sure your company has its version of what happened and check your policy: if the damages paid by your insurance company are less than a certain amount, the accident may not be attributable. And you will avoid the penalty of an increase in the prize.
How long does a claim last per claim?
Here's what to do after a car accident
When you are involved in a car accident, There are some steps you need to take to make sure everyone involved is safe, to comply with the law, and to start the insurance claim process.
According to the Insurance Information Institute (Insurance Information Institute III), the following steps are a very useful guide in case of a car accident, regardless of whether you are at fault or not.
Here's what to do after a car accident; pay close attention:
First step: check that you are not injured
If you're injured, call 911 or have someone else do it. If you are seriously injured, try not to move and wait for emergency personnel.
Second step: check that the passengers are not injured
If you're not too injured to move, check out the other passengers in your car. If someone is injured, call emergency services or ask a passerby to call for help.
Third step: get safe and do the same with the passengers and the car
Try moving to the side of the road or onto a sidewalk. If possible, do the same with passengers. If your car is safe to drive and is causing danger where it is, pull it to the side of the road. Otherwise, leave it where it is and stay safe.
Step Four: Call 911
If the accident is considered a minor blow or a serious collision, it is important to call the police. In fact, in some states it is required by law. Officers at the scene will file a report and document the scene. According to the Insurance Information Institute, if the police cannot come to the crash site, you can go to the nearest police station and fill out the report yourself. When you make a claim with your insurer, they may ask you for a copy of the police report to facilitate the claim process.
How much does the insurance go up after an accident?
Step Five: Wait for help to arrive
Turn off the engine, turn on the hazard lights, and use the traffic signs in your emergency kit to warn other vehicles to slow down.
Step Six: Exchange information with the other people involved
After making sure you and your passengers are not injured, exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. According to the Insurance Information Institute, this is the most important information drivers should share after an accident:
The Insurance Information Institute recommends that you avoid discussing fault when examining the facts with the other driver. When filing an insurance claim, the expert examining it will determine who is at fault, this on the basis of an inspection of the damaged vehicles / property, information provided by you and other parties involved in the incident and any supporting documentation such as the police report or photographs of the scene.
Step Seven: Document the incident
As a precautionary measure, the following steps are recommended:
- Identify agents: Once the police arrive, obtain the name and badge number of all officers involved in the procedure.
- Get a copy of the report: Ask the police officers present where you can obtain a copy of the accident report. Your insurer may ask you for this when filing an auto insurance claim.
- Take pictures: Document the accident well by taking photos of your vehicle from different angles, showing the damage done to both cars. It might also be a good idea to take pictures of the other car's license plate. You may be able to share photos with your insurer during the application process to support your information.
- Write the names: Write down the names and addresses of all parties involved, including passengers in the other vehicle.
- Talk to witnesses: If there were any witnesses to the incident, write down their names and contact information as well.
How long do I have to report a car accident?
Step Eight: Inform your insurance company to initiate the application process
It is very helpful to call your insurance agent while you are on the scene. This way, they can tell you exactly what they will need to process your request and what to expect during the process.
An accident can leave even the most experienced driver exhausted, but Following the steps outlined above can help you avoid unnecessary worries. You can focus on working with your insurance company to get your vehicle fixed as quickly and easily as possible.
What You Should Do After a Car Accident: Conclusions
Traffic accidents have a huge impact on everyone involved, both financially and emotionally. If you are one of the lucky ones who have had a serious accident so far, hopefully the prevention tips will help you continue like this. However, there is a good chance that at some point you will be involved in a small accident. If so, keep calm and make safety your primary concern. You will have time to deal with the consequences later.
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