When involved in a car accident, your primary concern is the safety of passengers inside the car. On confirming that everybody is safe in the vehicle, the next priority is to assess the damage to your car and the others involved. Try to be calm and do not panic. Remember, running away from the accident scene is a crime. In any traffic accident, the first thing to do is to move the vehicle to the side of the road. It is better to keep your car out of the path of other vehicles. This will allow free movement of incoming vehicles. Moreover, the flow of traffic is also not obstructed. This step can lessen the chances of another collision taking place. Switch on the hazard lights to create an alert to other drivers.
Calling emergency services immediately
Once the accident has taken place, you should check if anybody is injured in the accident. In case anyone is injured, you must call the emergency services or an ambulance immediately. If there are serious injuries, you should call the police. It is better to inform the police or report the incident at the police station within twenty four hours. A state vehicle accident report should be filed by the driver. This report is available at all police stations. In case of minor injuries, you can file the report later on by downloading the report form on the department of motor vehicles web site.
You next step is to exchange information like name, address, phone number, insurance company name, policy number, license number and driver license number for the driver as well as the owner of the other people involved in the accident. In case there are any eye witnesses to the incident, make sure to get their details also. Also write down the description of the cars involved like model, color as well as make and note down the exact place where the collision took place. Be polite and cooperate with the traffic or police officials. Never admit on the site that you were at fault even if you think it was your mistake. Do not make any statements to any one other than the police.
Taking photographs of the accident site
In case you have a camera or a mobile phone with a camera, it is ideal to take photographs of the accident site as well as the vehicles involved to get better details. Many mobile phones have camera in them. So it is very easy to take photographs before you move your car so that the exact location of the accident is identified. Photographs will also show the extent of damage to your vehicle and will help in processing your insurance claim faster.
Once a police report has been filed, the next step would be to file a claim with the insurance company. A police report generally helps in processing insurance claims much faster. Get in touch with your agent or insurance company and report the incident to them along with the details. Send a covering letter giving all the details along with the necessary documents or proof to justify your position. The insurance company would then send a claims adjuster to investigate and evaluate the vehicle damages and will decide if the claim is genuine and justified. After verification, claims are settled by the insurance company.
When there is a dispute you can seek help from an attorney who is experienced in handling accident related insurance claims. They know how to deal with the other drivers and the insurers involved and will help you to get the maximum compensation possible.