Knowing What To Do After An Auto Accident Saves Lives & Makes
Filing A Claim Easier
Source: Insurance Information Institute
No one likes to think that they may be involved in an auto accident,
but knowing what to do after a crash can save lives, reduce injuries
and make the entire claims process much easier, according to the
Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).
There are over 6.3 million auto crashes each year, resulting in
an injury every 11 seconds, according to the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA).
“
If you are in an auto accident, there are four things to remember
to do,” says Jeanne M. Salvatore, consumer spokesperson for
the I.I.I. “Stop your car, see if anyone is hurt, assess the
damage and then get as much information as possible about the accident.”
At the scene of an accident, the I.I.I. recommends that:
- Find
out if anyone is injured. Call the police or highway patrol
and let them
know how many people were hurt and the extent of their injuries.
The police will then notify the nearest medical unit. Avoid
moving a severely injured person, unless they are in danger of
getting
hit by traffic. Try to calm the person and keep them warm
by covering them with a blanket or jacket until help arrives.
- Protect the
accident scene. Take reasonable steps to protect your car from
further damage by setting up flares, getting the
car off
the road and calling a tow truck.
- Collect as much information
as possible. Everyone should keep a pad of paper and a pencil
in the glove department of
their car.
You
may also want to keep a disposable camera to take pictures
of any damage done to the vehicles.
Make sure you get the
following information:
-
Names, addresses and phone numbers of all drivers and passengers
involved in the accident, license plate numbers, make and model
of each car, driver’s license numbers and insurance information.
- Names, addresses and phone numbers of any witnesses.
- Names, badge numbers and contact information of police, highway
patrol or other emergency personnel at the scene. Remember to ask
where you can obtain a copy of the police report. You will need
it when filing a claim.
- Make note of the date, time, location and other relevant information
such as driving conditions.
Details can sometimes be forgotten
weeks or months later, so it is important to jot them down.
If there is anything about the accident that does not feel right,
mention it to the investigating police officer and let your insurance
company know. Some auto accidents have been orchestrated by insurance
fraud criminals.
“
If you feel that the accident was a set-up, don’t confront
the other driver or passengers,” says Salvatore. “They
can be dangerous people. Instead, tell law enforcement or your
insurance company about your suspicions and let them investigate
the situation.”
The National Insurance Crime bureau has information
on staged accidents on its website at www.nicb.org. If you suspect
insurance fraud,
you can also call their toll free number, 1-800-TEL-NICB
“
If you get in accident with another driver or pedestrian, let your
insurance company know about the incident,” points out Salvatore. “Even
someone who appears to be unharmed may sue you. For your insurer
to defend you in court, they need to know about the accident.”
To
file an auto insurance claim, the I.I.I. suggests:
- Get in touch
with your insurer as soon as possible, regardless of who is at
fault.
- Find out what forms or documents you will need to support
your claim. In most cases, your insurer will require you to fill
out a “proof
of claim” form. If there is a police report, provide
this to your insurer. Many insurers have the technology that
allows you to
monitor the progress of your claim on their website.
- When speaking with your insurer, get the names and phone
numbers of everyone you speak with throughout the claims
process and
keep copies of any bills or documents you supply to your
insurer.
- Ask your agent or company representative the following
questions:
-
Does my policy contain a time limit for filing claims and submitting
bills?
- Is there a time limit for resolving claims disputes?
- If I need to submit additional information, what is the cutoff
point?
- Do I need to get repair estimates for the damages to my car?
- Will my policy pay for a rental car while my car is being repaired?
If so, how much will I be reimbursed and are there any time constraints?
“
Each state has its own laws governing the claims process and you
have rights and obligations under these laws,” says
Salvatore.
If you have any questions regarding your claim,
contact your insurance agent or
company representative.
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