Car accidents are one of those pesky things that happen from time to time and can be a pain in the driver’s seat. If you are involved in a car accident, and it doesn’t matter how much damage the vehicle sustains, there are several things you must do. Here is some car accident advice that might just keep you out of trouble.
Immediately Following the Accident
First, check to make sure you have not suffered any extensive injuries then check with your passengers. Call 911 immediately or ask someone to call 911. Chances are, however, someone who witnesses the accident or sees the after math, will beat you to the call. Even if you think it is a minor fender bender and less than note worthy, notify the police anyway and let that be reflected in the police report. If you suspect injuries, ask for an ambulance if one does not automatically respond to the accident when 911 is called.
Turn on the vehicle flashers and move your vehicle out of the way of traffic, if possible. That will alleviate traffic congestion and allow emergency vehicles to respond to the scene with little or no difficulty. If you cannot move your vehicle, exit the vehicle, if you can, and walk to the side of the road and out of the way of traffic. If it is not safe to exit your vehicle, wait until public safety personnel arrive.
Exchanging information
According to authorities, if you do not want to notify the police, information should be exchanged between the parties involved and includes name, contact information, registration, make, model and year of the vehicles and insurance information. Avoid any conversation regarding who was at fault and do not discuss the accident with anyone but the police. Do not accept an on the spot financial settlement and do not agree to sidestep the insurance company process. Even if damage is less than the deductible, it is always in your best interest to have the proper record and paper trail documenting your vehicle accident. Do ask the other parties if they are okay and take note of their response. Note, also, the number of passengers in the other vehicle or vehicles and note whether man, woman or child.
If the other party does not want to exchange information, make note of as much information as possible including registration number, make, model, color and year of the vehicle, a description of the driver and other passengers and where on the vehicle there may be damage. If the other party leaves the scene of the accident, note the registration number and as much information about the vehicle as possible.
When the Police Respond
If the police respond to the accident they will request the necessary information from all parties involved, as well as take individual statements from all parties. Most police departments will give each driver a copy of all the necessary information from each driver to report to their insurance company. A police report is usually available within 24 hours from the local police department and it is always in your best interest to request a copy of the report.
Before you go to the police station to get a copy of the report, call and ask about the fee, how much it is and the accepted means of payment. The drivers of the vehicles are also required to file a police report, as well. The responding officer may have a copy of the police report template for you to fill out. It does not have to be filled out on the spot, but should be filled out within 24 to 48 hours and filed with the police department. Report templates are usually available online.
Documenting the Accident
Take photographs of the damage of all vehicles involved, if possible. Most cell phones have a built in camera so snapping a picture or two will be easy. If you do not have a cell phone, consider carrying a disposable camera in your car for such an occasion.
Note names and contact information of any witnesses and any public safety officials that respond to the scene. Note badge numbers, names, registration numbers, if possible. You want a record of anyone who was there. Obtain a copy of the police report for your record. If you see anything incorrect in the police report, speak to your insurance company about it.
If you have in accident in an area that is unfamiliar to you, it is important to make note of as much information about the area as possible. Note the street name and the closest cross street, the house or building number if in an area with houses or buildings, if a utility pole is nearby, note the pole number. If you are on a highway, make note of the highway number and exit you are near or if a mile marker is site, note that number. If you see a hotel or some other building that is identified, note the building name and a general description of what you see. The idea is to have enough information to be able to identify the area in the future, if necessary. It is better to have too much information rather than not enough.
Following the Accident
Fill out your own accident report as soon as you can. Note all the information you can remember. Include date, time of day, weather and road conditions and what you did just prior to the accident. Include sketches of vehicle placement, traffic signage, north arrow, street names, etc. Note people in the other vehicle, at least the number if not the names. Call your insurance agent or insurance company as soon as possible. Give them as much information as you can. All the information you collect will be of interest to them. They will most likely want to record an interview. That is essential if the accident turns into litigation or is not resolved in a short time frame. The longer it takes to resolve all issues, the more detail will escape into obscurity.
If you are pressured to accept a settlement or note false information due to an accident, whether at the time of the accident or afterwards, report that to the responding police and your insurance company. You may also wish to seek legal advice, as well.