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11 Facts You Need to Know When You Get in a Auto Accident

You?re driving down the road with the tunes cranked, but you figure it?s time to grab a new CD to listen to. You reach down to grab the CD off the floor of the car, and when you look up you have little time to jam on the brakes.

Oops. Don?t you hate it when that happens? Perhaps you?ll be one of the lucky ones who goes a whole lifetime without ever being in an automobile accident?yeah, right. There are some basic rules to follow if you are involved in an accident. The most important thing we hope for is that you don?t get hurt. Knowing what to do if you are involved in an accident can save lives and also make the claims process easier.

If You Get Into An Accident

  • Stay where you are. Do not try to move the car out of the way until a police officer comes on the scene and instructs you to do so.

  • If it is a little ?fender bender,? you may pull into the nearest parking lot or to the side of the road.

  • If you are hurt, don?t move until the paramedics arrive.

  • If there are witnesses, try and get their names and numbers if they want to leave before the police arrive.

  • No matter whose fault it is, remain calm and be careful when confronted by the other driver.

  • Have your license, registration and insurance card ready. Also be prepared to give your social security number to the police for their report.

  • If you get into a fender bender and no police are involved, YOU NEED TO EXCHANGE EACH OTHER?S CAR INSURANCE INFORMATION AND GET THEIR NAME, NUMBER AND DRIVER?S LICENSE INFORMATION. You may want to exchange work information and phone numbers as well. It?s also a good idea to write down their license plate number and make of their car just in case.

  • Ask the investigating officer where you can obtain a copy of the police report. You will probably need it when you submit your claim to your insurance company.

  • If necessary, have the car towed to a repair shop. But remember, your insurance company probably will want to have an adjuster inspect it and appraise the damage before you order repair work done.

  • Make notes. Keep a pad and pencil in your glove compartment. Write down:

    1. The names and addresses of all drivers and passengers involved in the accident.

    2. License plate numbers.

    3. Make and model of each car.

    4. Driver's license numbers.

    5. Insurance identifications names and addresses of witnesses.

    6. Names and badge numbers of police officers or other emergency personnel.

    You want to write all this information down to help with your insurance claim AND to have the important information just in case the other driver tries to change the story or take you to court.

  • If you hit an unattended vehicle or object, try to find the owner. If you can't, leave a note containing your name, address and phone number. Record the details of the accident.

    • Joe Kahler - EzineArticles Expert Author

    Joe Kahler is recognized as an expert on helping young adults successfully transition from home to being ?out on their own?. His latest work has recently been assembled in his book, Out On My Own... Now What? Tips and Insights So You Won?t Be Left Hanging in the ?Real World?!

    Joe received his undergraduate degree from Whittier College in Social Sciences and his Masters in Education from Arizona State University. His experience includes teaching, coaching, running numerous businesses, investing, selling insurance and real estate AND attending numerous personal, ?hard knocks? training classes!

    http://www.outonmyown.com

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