SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2016
No matter which state you live in, across all of the U.S., strict criteria is mandated for people to be licensed to drive a motor vehicle. Unfortunately, there are many variables that interfere with enforcement, along with an infinite range of potential distractions for drivers at any given time. Accidents are never within our scope of possibilities for any given day, yet they occur, and not even the safest drivers are exempt from being involved in a wreck. Knowing how to respond in the aftermath of a wreck is of utmost importance, for you and everyone involved. Here are important details to know. You may even want to print the following and keep in your glove compartment or wallet, for safekeeping.
Drive Prepared
In addition to a printout of these steps, being prepared is a great way to expedite recovery from any roadway accident. Did you know that the law requires you to have proof of your insurance with you? Always carry your insurance information in your wallet, along with a pen and paper in your car. On a separate card, write down all necessary medical information for you and your family, along with any important phone numbers. Carry a set of safety cones, warning triangles or flares in your trunk to secure everyone safety in traffic. Another helpful trunk item would be a clean blanket.
Remain Calm
Immediately following a wreck, everyone will experience shock and disbelief. As the driver, it is your responsibility to stay calm. The very first thing to do is to turn on your vehicle's hazard flashers, and then assess the safety of where your car happened to wind up. Do everything possible to get your car to the safest place and out of potential danger. If possible, get off the road, but not if doing so will cause further damage.
It's important to stay at the scene until police and help arrive. Leaving the site of the wreck is illegal, and when injuries or fatalities were sustained, can result in hit-and-run criminal charges against you.
Check for Injuries
Check yourself along with your passengers, and then determine if any other parties involved in the accident are injured. If making this assessment is difficult, it is best to call 911 anyway. Do not attempt to move any injured parties, unless their safety requires it.
Notify the Police
While the police don't always respond to every minor fender bender, let them make that call. Report your accident details, calmly and succinctly and do as instructed. In many cases, it isn't always necessary to obtain a police report to file an insurance claim. Be sure to get the names and badge numbers of responding police officers.
Call Your Insurance Provider
In all cases, notifying your insurance provider is critical for your protection. Even when you believe the other party to be at 100% fault, tell your insurance provider. Share all details, truthfully. Your provider will instruct you regarding how to proceed.
Use Your Phone
Take pictures of the accident scene from every angle, along with close-ups of damages to every car and property involved. Exchange names, insurance information drivers license numbers, license plate numbers, phone numbers and addresses with all other involved drivers. When possible, obtain names and contact information from any bystanders who witnessed the wreck. Use your phone to photograph licenses and insurance cards, front and back. Inquire with locals about the frequency of wrecks in the exact location.
Following the Wreck
Track all medical treatments and medicines prescribed, and obtain copies of all records and bills. List work missed, resulting inabilities and all other ways the wreck has impacted your life. Do not discuss the details of the wreck with anyone other than the police, your insurance company and other passengers who were in your card.
Never accept a settlement offer from an insurance company until you are absolutely sure that all associated injuries and damages have been satisfied. Most importantly, give Kipper Insurance Agency a call so we can walk you through this entire process (760) 471-2200.
Posted 4:00 PM
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