Almost every driver gets into some sort of car accident at some point. It’s important to know the procedures for getting the other driver your information so they know how to contact you afterwards. If you simply drive away from an accident, even if it is small, it is known as a hit and run. You might even hit a car while no one is in it, but it is still important to leave your information so they can contact you. Of course, if the accident was severe your first goal is to get someone to contact 911.
The foremost step, which almost everyone forgets in such a case, is to not confess fault. Although the accident was caused due to your mistake, you must not admit it immediately in front of the other person. This is so because even if afterwards it is found that the fault was not yours, still you may be forced to pay the bills as you had earlier admitted it. Do not loose your calm and manage the condition in an organized way so that there is not much fuss created.
Swap the insurance information with the other party/ parties immediately. Ensure that the names, contact numbers, and addresses are provided so you can contact each other later. This explains why it?s so essential to carry your insurance proof along with you in your vehicle. You might have to give the proof later if you don not have it with you at the time of accident.
If both parties involved in accident are ready to wait then you can make a call to your insurance company and ask your claims representative to come and evaluate the damage caused. At times, this may not be possible, but you should always call your claims representative as soon as you can. The representative will take some pictures of the accident spot and damages while you are around; get your claims form filled, speak to the other people involved in the crash, and may be also talk to those who saw the accident.
Take pictures of the damage and surrounding area before any of the cars are moved. With so many people having picture phones now-a-days, this is fairly easy. Take pictures of all the damage to all of the cars, and any other pictures that might help describe the scene.
Once you have called your claims representative, taken pictures, and exchanged information you are usually free to leave the scene. By now a police officer would have arrived to help sort out the mess and tow trucks may be taking away your vehicles. Sometimes the damage is light enough so that tow trucks aren?t necessary. Even so, it may be weeks or months until you get a check in the mail, so you may have to initially pay for the repairs yourself at first.
The money you get is determined by the lowest repair quote given to the insurance company. If your car is totaled you will receive the blue book value for your car. The blue book value is a standard set of prices for cars taking into consideration their model, age, and condition. If you made any modifications to your vehicle you will not be compensated for them.
Graham McKenzie is the content syndication coordinator for Carinsurancesa.co.za. South Arica?s leading car insurance portal.
categories: Car Insurance,Vehicle Insurance,Auto Insurance,Insurance Cars,Vehicles,Automotive,Personal Finance
