Auto Accident, now what?

Auto Accident, Now What?

Your actions after a car accident depend on the severity of the accident. The procedures after an accident which causes serious injury compared to a fender bender will be different. When injuries are involved the first priority will be to help injured persons and seek professional medical attention immediately. An important thing to keep in mind no matter what type of accident you're in is to stay calm. Panic, anger or any other extreme emotion will not help the situation after an accident.

All automobile insurance policies will have a section dedicated to the insured's duty after a loss. Becoming familiar with your obligations in the event of an accident or loss before it happens will help you. Actions required by the insured after a loss or accident are almost identical from one company to the next.

For coverage to apply under your automobile policy the named insured or the person seeking coverage must promptly report the accident or loss to the insurance company regardless of fault. All information regarding the loss or accident must be provided to the insurance company. At a minimum the information provided must include: Time, place, and the facts of the loss or accident. Also, the names and addresses of all persons involved in the loss ar accident, the names and addresses of any witnesses, and the license plate numbers of all the vehicles involved. If you or the person seeking coverage cannot identify the owner or operator of the vehicle involved in an accident or loss, then notification to the police must be made within 24 hours or as soon as reasonably possible.

Typically the insured's duties after an accident or loss are described in the insurance policy as follows:

1. Cooperate fully with the insurance company regarding any matter concerning a claim or a law suit.

2. Provide any written proof of loss as may be reasonably requested by your insurance company.

3. Allow your insurance company to take recorded statements, including sworn statements and examinations under oath, when requested.

4. Provide any related documents or records to the insurance company as requested.

5. Provide prompt notification to the insurance company about any claim or law suit and all legal papers relating to the claim or law suit.

6. Attend any hearings or trials as requested by your insurance company relating to the claim or law suit.

7. Take reasonable measures after a loss to protect your vehicle from further damage. Any reasonable expenses incurred to protect your vehicle from further damage will be reimbursed by the insurance company.

8. Allow the insurance company to inspect and appraise the damaged vehicle before it is repaired.

9. Submit to medical examinations by doctors the insurance company selects as reasonably required.

10. Authorize the insurance company to obtain medical and other records relevant to the accident or loss.

Contrary to popular belief a police report is not required for all accidents and losses. For example: You've just been rear ended in bumper to bumper traffic and no one is injured, the vehicles are not disabled, and there is only relatively minor damage. Drive the accident vehicles safely off the roadway to allow traffic to flow normally. Have all parties involved in the accident exchange insurance, vehicle, and driver's license information. If possible contact the insurance company at the time of the accident while both parties are present. The insurance company will inquire as to the facts of the accident. If both drivers are cooperative and agree then the insurance company will be able to determine fault in the accident. The insurance company responsible for repairs will assign a claims adjuster to the case. An appointment will be made for the damaged vehicle to be examined and appraised. Insurance companies will usually have a list of recommended body repair shops for you to choose from. If a rental vehicle is needed during the time the damaged vehicle is in the repair shop then the insurance company responsible will make arrangements at no cost to you.

In a serious accident where there is major damage to the vehicles and/or persons are injured a police report is critical. Insurance companies will need to know the name of the police agency investigating the accident. The accident report by the investigating authority, statements made by persons involved in the accident, and any witness testimonials will be used to determine which insurance company is responsible for damages. As noted above a police report is also required by the insurance company in the event of a theft or an accident where the owner or driver of the other vehicle is unknown, such as in a hit and run.

Be prepared before an accident or loss occurs and the incident will be much less stressful for you. Know where your insurance identification card is. Keep a pen or pencil and something to write on in your vehicle. Keep a flashlight in your vehicle. Have a form you can follow and complete with all the necessary information. Accident information forms may be provided by your insurance company or downloaded from the internet. Review your specific insurance policy as to insured duties after a loss. Being involved in an accident or incurring a loss is never completely hassle free, but, it doesn't have to be a nightmare either. Be careful, drive defensively, always wear your seatbelt, and be prepared in case of any unfortunate mishaps.

Cliffor Schimek 20 year auto insurance agency owner http://www.FloridaAutoPlusInsurance.com

Comment on "Auto Accident, now what?"