Car accidents happen all the time across the United States. You see them on TV, hear about them on the radio, read about them in the newspapers, and on the Internet. You’ve seen how many lives were unnecessary lost as well as leaving extensive damage to properties. Common reasons why these things happen, include drunk driving, distractions, use of drugs, construction zones, etc. These and more are the reasons why you should not drive without a sufficient insurance coverage.
No one in his right mind would tell you that he wants to be in a car accident. We do anything to avoid it, but sometimes, accidents do happen in a flash.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the most prevalent car accidents would involve a single car, two cars or more, pedestrians, car and motorcycle, and a car to a truck. Should you find yourself in one of these situations, here’s what you need to do.
Call 911 Right Away – You need the authorities regardless of how severe or light the accident is. 911 will usually dispatch the police, medical and fire departments to the accident site. Police reports are needed should you file a claim to your insurance company. They can also pacify the other party or you, in case a super-heated argument arises due to the accident. Everyone should be checked for possible injuries, which is very important. You can get a copy of the police report two days after the accident.
Don’t Forget To Take Pictures – If you have a camera with you, take pictures of the scene, particularly the damages on your car and the other party. Alternatively, you can use the camera on your mobile phone if you have no access to a digital camera. You need the pictures to support any future claims to your insurance company. The images could speed up the processing of your insurance claim as well as help you resolve any possible lawsuits.
Talk To Your Insurance Agent – Make sure you contact your insurance agent right away, whether or not you’re the driver at-fault or not. Notify them immediately for any upcoming repair cost, injury payments or hospitalization bills. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask your agent, for they are trained to entertain and clarify any doubts.
The agent will also assist you in filling out forms, which are needed to facilitate the claim. Questions such as who is the driver at fault, how claims are processed and filed and other pertinent data needed for the speedy release of the money.
Lawsuits are a major discomfort and one of the jobs of your insurance agent is to help settle the case, so it does not go to court. He/she will begin working on the possibility of a settlement and inform you about the progress of your case, regularly.
Contact A Lawyer Should You Need One – If you have access to a lawyer, contact one immediately. This is important if you think that you’ve been wrongfully charged as the at-fault driver, which you believe shouldn’t be. Your lawyer will conduct his own investigation to determine if the findings are substantial. You also need a lawyer if you’re planning to file a lawsuit or the other party has filed one against you.
