What To Do in Case of An Auto Accident

Canyon Creek Allstate Insurance WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF AN AUTO ACCIDENT.

When you get into a car accident, there are certain steps you may want to take in order to help make sure everyone is safe, to follow the law and to get the insurance claim process started.

1. Check yourself for injuries If you're injured, call 911 or ask someone else to do so. If you're seriously injured, try not to move, and wait for emergency personnel.

2. Check on the well-being of your passengers If you're not too hurt to move, check on the other passengers in your car. If anyone's injured, get on the phone with emergency services or ask a bystander to call for help.

3. Get to safety If you're able to, move to the side of the road or a sidewalk. If your car is safe to drive and is causing a hazard where it is, pull it to the side of the road. Otherwise, leave it where it is and get yourself to safety.

4. Call The Policy or 911 Whether an accident is minor or a major, calling the police is important. The officers will fill out an accident report and document the scene. If the police don’t come to the scene, you will still have the accident documented with the department. When you file a claim with your insurer, they may ask for a copy of the police report.

5. Wait for help Turn off your engine, turn on your hazard lights and use the road flares to warn other vehicles to slow down. Also, beware of bandit tow trucks, warns the National Insurance Crime Bureau. These are tow truck drivers you didn't call who pull over and offer to help. It may be a scam. If your vehicle needs to be towed, call a tow truck or have the police call one 6. Exchange information After an accident, drivers should exchange: • Full name and contact information • Insurance company and policy number • Driver's license and license plate number • Type, color and model of vehicle • Location of accident Avoid discussing fault when going over the facts with the other driver. When filing an insurance claim, the adjuster reviewing your claim will determine who's at fault based on an inspection of the vehicles damaged, information provided by you and the other parties involved, and any supporting documentation, like the police report or photographs from the scene.

7. Document the accident In order to help protect yourself, take the following steps: • Identify the officers - Once the police arrive, get the name and badge number of all responding officers. • Get a copy - Ask the police officers present where you can obtain a copy of the accident report. Your insurer may ask for a copy of the report when you file a car insurance claim. • Take pictures - Document the accident by taking pictures of your vehicle from different angles, showing the damage done to both cars. Also, take pictures of the other car's license plate. • Take down names - Write down the names and addresses of all parties involved, including any passengers in the other vehicle. • Talk to witnesses - If there were any witnesses to the accident, take down their names and their contact information, as well.

8. Notify the Insurance Company and start the claims process If it is clear who was at fault, Call the at fault persons insurance company and file a claim with them. If the accident was in an intersection, side swipe, or a “he said she said” situation then file the claim with the insurance and let the two insurance companies decide who was at fault. If you are not liable then you will get your deductible back and your insurance company will get their money back.

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