Getting in a car accident is an incredibly stressful experience, but you can minimize the stress by knowing in advance what to do in the aftermath. Here’s a checklist of what to do if you’ve suffered an automotive collision:
- Check whether anyone is injured and if so call 911.
- Call the police. Even if there are no injuries and you don’t need to call emergency services, you’ll still need to call the police to report the accident. Most auto insurance policies require this.
- Secure the scene. That is, turn on your hazards and move the vehicles out of the flow of traffic if possible.
- Do NOT admit fault. This can be important when it comes to dealing with auto insurance claims.
- Exchange information with the other driver. Collect their name, address, and telephone number. Get the make, model, year, and plate number for the other vehicle. Get the driver’s insurance company name and policy number. Collect contact information for any witnesses.
- Take pictures of the scene and of any damage.
- Call your auto insurance provider right away. Claims usually need to be filed within a certain time period, so don’t delay in making this call.
If you have any other questions about car insurance, contact us at Lou Aggetta Insurance, serving all of your insurance needs for drivers in the Bay area. Get a quote today!