You can’t be sure how you will react in a car accident until you have experienced one. Even if you aren’t physically hurt, the trauma during any accident can cause shock or fuzzy thinking at a time when you need to keep your wits. If you ever find yourself in an accident, insurance protection is vital, but it’s also important to remember these five tips from DCH Freehold Toyota:
1. Assess for accident injuries
If possible, assess yourself and any passengers for injuries and immediately call for medical assistance if necessary. Should anyone be seriously injured or unable to move, try not to move them unless there is threat of a fire or they are on the road where they could be hit by another car.
2. Safety first
For minor accidents, move both vehicles off the road for protection against moving traffic. If the damage to your vehicle is severe, keep it where it is until the police arrive. Turn on your emergency flashers to alert oncoming traffic.
3. Stay calm and ask questions
No matter who is at fault during an accident, this is not the time to freak out or become overly emotional. Remain calm and with a clear head assess what happened and be ready to ask questions.
- Know exactly where your insurance information is located and other identification you’ll need to meet your legal requirements.
- Write down the names and contact information for all witnesses.
- If you are not at fault, and the accident wasn’t serious enough to involve a police report, do not let the other driver talk you into letting them mail you a check for the damage to your car. If they claim they don’t have insurance, ask questions about their car registration, name and contact information and give them your insurance information. Tell them you will be contacting your own agent to report the accident.
- If possible, take a photo of both cars showing the damage and license plates.
4. Admit no fault
Answer no questions about fault with anyone except a police officer or your insurance company. Give no statements to the other driver’s insurance company or your words might be twisted and used against you. You also shouldn’t sign any legal documents from the other insurance company, especially if you feel they are pressuring you for an early settlement that you feel isn’t sufficient to cover your damage.
5. Immediately report the accident to your insurance company
This is the moment when you’ll finally understand why you pay monthly premiums for insurance protection. Carry your agent’s name and phone number in our car and make the call as soon as possible. The sooner you contact them, the sooner they can help you with your claim.
Keep a folder in your car with all your insurance contact information and this tip list. This way you’ll have all the information you need to help you think more clearly if you’re stressed during an accident.
