What To Do in Case of an Accident

We have found a set of rules worth following in case you get into an accident. What to DO after a major collision:

• Identify yourself: Show your driver's license and registration of your vehicle to other driver(s), injured person(s), and the police officer.

• Record information of the other driver(s) vehicle, injured person(s), and witness(es); Such as, name, address, phone number, ID or driver's license number, birthday, vehicle make and model, license plate, vehicle identification number (17-digit number usually found on the front windshield or the door jam of the vehicle), location, date and time of the accident.

• Make a claim with your insurance company.

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• Report the accident to the nearest police station even if damages are minimal and no passenger(s) is injured. This can protect you from a hit and run charge later on.

• If injuries have occurred, consult a physician promptly. For insurance purposes, you must prove that you sought medical attention right away. It is for your protection since injuries don’t always show up right away.

• Don’t allow your car to be towed to a repair facility you’re not familiar with.

• Read all papers carefully before you sign them.

• Make sure that you're not authorizing repairs by signing a towing release.

• Write down a complete description of the accident as soon as you can, and if possible, take pictures. Recording details of the accident while they are fresh in your mind can be of great assistance for insurance and legal purposes.

• Report the accident to the Department of Motor and Vehicles within ten days, if property damage exceeds $750 and/or injury of death results.

• Notify your insurance company, even if damage is small and there is nobody injured.

• Follow your insurance company’s prescribed procedures for reporting an accident.

• Make sure you have even the smallest damages repaired. If not, it might reduce the resale value of the vehicle.

What NOT to do after a major collision

• Do NOT discuss the accident with anyone except a police officer or a verified representative of YOUR Insurance Company.

• Do NOT sign statements or claims presented to you by the other driver’s insurance company. If you are being pressured, you may wish to consult an attorney.

• Don’t accept a check for the repair of your vehicle unless ALL damage repair is covered. You are responsible for having the vehicle repaired to YOUR satisfaction.

• Don’t seek the lowest estimate, instead seek the best quality work. Low estimates can sometimes be incomplete repairs. There is a posssibility that overlooking things like alignment, can cost you more money in the long run.