You can be the safest driver and still be part of an accident. When it happens, it can be a confusing and stressful experience. Having the right coverage and being prepared will alleviate your anxiety and help you through the process. Here are a few steps to follow if you are ever in this position.
Before the Incident Happens
While you may avoid ever getting into an altercation with your vehicle, you must protect yourself in case you are part of one. Reach out to your insurance company and ask if you are adequately covered in this event. Determine Who pays for medical bills after a car accident in case you or the other party is injured. If you feel uneasy about the coverage you have, talk to your agent about increasing it and find out how much it will be. This may be a good time to get quotes from other organizations as well.
When You Are In an Accident
Either you have been hit by a car or you have collided with another vehicle. The first thing you must do is ensure you and your passengers are alright. If anyone is seriously injured, call for help and assess what has happened. Also, if it is dangerous to stay in your automobile, get you and everyone in it out immediately. If all those with you are okay, check on the other party. Once you know everyone is uninjured, move the cars off the road so that other motorists can pass safely.
Assess the Damage
Analyze the area on your vehicle where it was damaged. Determine whether you are able to drive it or if you will need to call a tow truck to remove it from the road. If you have your cell phone with you, take photos of your car, the other automobile, and the entire accident scene. Your insurance company will ask for them when you file the claim. Provide your driver’s license and insurance card to the other motorist then ask for theirs in return. Take a picture of the documentation or write it down so you can give that to your agent as well. Do your best to remain calm through the situation. Depending on what happened, tempers can flare. Being patient will get you through the incident quickly and on your way.
Submit the Claim
Once you have the vehicle secured and you are safe, call your insurance company and submit a claim for your accident. Have the other driver’s information when you are on the phone so that you can give it to the representative. Give as many details as you can to the person on the other end of the line so that they can determine who is responsible for the incident. Send them your photos as well if they request them. The agent will send an assessor to look at your automobile so they can estimate the damage. They will also ask you to take it to a body shop to get their opinion as well.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
