An auto accident is always a traumatic experience. And you can never say when you might be involved in one. The best thing to do is not panic and tackle things rationally. If you do the right things after an accident, you can save a lot for yourself. And we are not talking just about money.
- Before you are involved in an accident, take time to sit down and read your auto insurance policy thoroughly. And if you have any doubts or reservations about anything written on the policy, you must call your agent and clarify.
- God forbid you meet with an accident; the first action that you must take is to find out whether you are injured. If you know that you can move, try looking for other people who are injured. And then move away from the scene of the accident as soon as possible. A lot of cars are known to burst into flames due to a fuel leak. But do be within visual range of your vehicle. You do not want anything to be stolen or moved.
- Once you know that every party involved does not need immediate medical attention, the next step is to exchange information with the other party involved in the accident. You will need his or her name, contact number, address, and insurance company’s contact number. This number can be found on the proof of insurance card that he will be carrying on his person.
- Try to identify potential witnesses around the scene of the accident. This can prove daunting on a highway as most cars would have passed you by. If you are on a street, try finding people who are willing to vouch for you and who will give you their contact number.
- File a report with the local law enforcement agencies. You have to call the police immediately, in order to ensure that a report is filed as soon as possible. If you do not have a report, you cannot file a claim for reimbursement from your insurance company.
- Also notify the insurance company about the incident. An auto insurance adjuster will look through the report and try to find out whose fault it was. If it was your fault, your insurance company will pay you and the other party the money to cover for losses. But if it is not your fault, and you have a first party fully comprehensive insurance policy, you are eligible for reimbursement if you are able to establish that the other party is not able to pay you for the damages. But you will have to pay a deductible if you use your insurance policy. And also your auto insurance premium rates will go up.
- Try to involve your insurance company even if it is the other party’s fault. In most cases, the other party’s insurance company will try to lay fault on you or they might extend the process for a long time. In such cases, it is better to have your insurance company to use its lawyers to get the payment you deserve.
If you follow the above mentioned steps to the dot, you should be free of any pains and problems. It is not only monetary, but you need to ensure that there is no medical or psychological complication arising as a result of the accident.
