If planes frighten you, you’ve likely heard from a well-meaning someone that you’re 60 times more likely to die in a car crash than in a plane crash. That’s fantastic if you’re planning a cross-country flight, but it’s a little concerning for folks who drive to work every day: Car accidents, at their worst, may be devastating. At their finest, they can be a huge, costly annoyance.
Auto insurance is available to help alleviate an accident’s financial and logistical demands, which is great news for all drivers out there. Even if you don’t believe you were at fault, you must report the collision to your auto insurance company. Your insurance may cover your medical expenses and car repairs, but how promptly and equitably your claim is handled is determined by the information you provide following an accident.
What are the specifics, where are they, and when are they?
Car accidents can be frightening both physically and emotionally. Even if you are certain that the other person was at fault, you should not point fingers immediately after an accident. This is why your insurance agent should not always be the first person you contact.
Make a quick voice memo on your phone or jot down vital information in a small notepad. When you have left the accident scene and can examine the facts objectively, it is preferable to call the police. The following are the most critical items for your insurance provider to know first:
When and where did the mishap occur? It is your responsibility to assist your insurance company in re-creating the scene of the accident, down to seemingly minor elements like weather and traffic, so that they can handle your claim as fast and fairly as possible.
This can be difficult because emotions and adrenaline are high after the accident, but keeping a step-by-step record of what transpired is critical to processing your claim. Include information such as speed, the direction of travel, where everybody was, and who hit whom. On the following page, we’ll discuss what your insurance company needs to know about the accident damage and how to appropriately document and report it.
Report Bumps and Bruises as Damage
Your insurance company may dispatch an agent to photograph the damage to your vehicle, so make sure you report it appropriately and note any damage before the collision. We don’t like it when individuals use their phones while driving, but your phone’s camera is handy here.
While you are still at the accident scene, try to take pictures of any damage, big or minor, to your car from all angles. Make a note of any damage you notice on other people’s vehicles. When you report the collision to your insurance carrier, they will compare what you stated or wrote to what the images reveal.
It is also critical to notify the authorities of any injuries you or anybody else sustained in the collision, but only after they have been treated and are stable. Don’t worry about property damage as well. Your insurance company has to know if you hit another person’s car and broke the computer in the passenger seat.
This is another situation where being objective is critical, similar to how the accident occurred: Your insurance company wants to know exactly what they may be paid for, and your claim will appear much more genuine if you don’t make a scratch in your fender look like a giant hole in the front of your car.
We know where, when, and what we’re talking about, but who are we talking about? Continue reading to learn what data you should obtain from the other party following an accident.
Who was involved in the third digit?
If anyone is injured in the collision, get medical attention immediately. You can always take down the person’s plate number and the contact information of the police officer. Ensure that everyone involved in an accident provides you with the following vital information:
- The individual’s name and phone number
- License plate numbers and driver’s license numbers
- Name of their insurance provider and contact information
- Any passengers’ insurance policy numbers and contact information
- The most important information is the vehicle’s brand, model, year, and color.
You should also provide your details to everybody else involved in the accident so that your insurers can work on your claims as soon as possible. People frequently borrow cars from family or friends, so it’s critical to understand whether the person driving the car is listed as the primary driver on the insurance policy.
If not, note the driver’s insurance provider and policy number. Even though it isn’t his vehicle, he may be protected by some of his insurance. It would help if you also kept an eye out for another person at an automobile accident scene. You’ll find out just what to ask them on the next page.
Is it possible for me to find a witness?
You might not consider the individuals watching when you’re in an automobile accident. However, if everyone engaged in an accident has a different interpretation of what occurred, witnesses from the outside may be quite useful.
Most of the moment, witnesses who were not present at an event can provide more accurate reporting of what occurred than those who were (or biased). Because they are not in one of the cars, witnesses are frequently in a better position to relate what happened. When you’re not from one of the automobiles, it’s simpler to see what’s happening.
Most witnesses have no personal investment in how the event plays out. Thus they may be able to provide a distinct and impartial perspective. They can also assist in determining patterns and reasons for an accident: If this is the fourth accident that Joe Onlooker has witnessed at a particular crossroads, your insurance provider should investigate.
Even while most car accidents are resolved amicably, it never hurts to know the facts if things go wrong. Before going to the accident scene, list witnesses’ phone numbers and names in case you or your health insurer require proof later.
Red Flags: Signs of an Accident Claim Fraud
Even if others advise you not to, call the police if you believe something is wrong. When we are outraged over an accident, it’s beneficial to remember that it’s an unfortunate incident for a reason unless it isn’t. Fraudsters faked or perpetrated false accidents to collect funds from health insurers or the people involved.
Although 90% of incidents are genuine, there are a few warning indications that something else is going on. Keep an eye out for older or more expensive vehicles, vehicles that are damaged or traveling slowly, and vehicles that frequently change lanes. A driver’s demeanor is also a useful indicator: people who stage accidents frequently try to scare the victim into admitting blame, and they may act angrily or threaten the victim.
If you suspect a bogus collision, immediately notify your insurance company and the police. The more illustrative you can be about the vehicle and the driver, the more probable your claim will be processed quickly and equitably. You may learn more about automobile accidents, insurance, and how to cope with both on the following page.
