When involved in a car accident and lucky enough to come out safe, you should take some specific measures to facilitate seamless compensation. Some car owners often encounter double loss—from the crashed cars and the insurance policy they’ve been paying for. This happens mostly when they decide to handle the accident with a vague understanding of how it goes.
So, what exactly should you do? Here’s what experts say.
Make a Call to the Police Station
Whether it was a fender-bender accident or a serious one, 911 should be the number to dial first. Let the police know your precise location and how severe the crash was. It helps the police get to the scene quickly.
Request Help From Your Insurance Claims Agent
The last thing you want is being part of the car owners we have just mentioned. Therefore, let your claims adjuster take the lead while you follow religiously.
Document All Evidence
Now, this is the most critical step you don’t want to mess up. Note that evidence is what determines whether you get compensated or not. So, what evidence do you need?
· Details of everyone involved
Whether it is the driver, passengers, witnesses, or police officers, be sure to jot down their details. For the driver, ask for their full names, phone number, insurance details, and relationship with the car. In some instances, the driver may not be the real owner. Therefore, request for the contact details of the owner as well.
With the police’s consent, note down their badge numbers so that your insurer can have an easy time following up. Also, be active to notice any witnesses around. Be sure to document their contact details and anything relevant to back you up.
· Visual evidence—either photos or video
Some differences can only be settled using visual information. Anyone will admit that skid marks, glass traces, and crashed parts of the car are indeed sure signs of an accident. However, the legal process also needs to establish whose fault it was. And for that case, perhaps a general picture of the position of cars after the accident will help resolve the matter. Physical injuries will also convince anyone—snap them while right at the scene.
· Written evidence
However sharp you are, traumatizing thoughts of surviving the accident can easily make you forget some of the crucial things. And remember, that information could be everything you need to win the case in the future. So, why not put it down on paper? Better yet, you can record a video and transcribe it when you are settled.
Throughout all these processes, ensure you are not, in any way, interrupting the authorities during their investigation.
Everyone is Upset—Don’t Discuss it!
Just as you feel disappointed, remember everyone else is going through the same. Engaging in arguments will never resolve anything—it will only cause havoc, further disappointments, and more losses. It is where your empathy and emotional quotient get tested. But note, empathy does not necessarily mean you admit liability!
Be Resourceful to the Police
The task of the police is to conduct an investigation and compile a statement. Therefore, be sure to assist in any way possible to make their experience simpler. But again, this shouldn’t end at confessing fault.
Connect With a Professional Car Accident Advisor Today
From our experience, car owners who consult professional insurance claims agents stand a very high chance of getting compensated than those who don’t. The next determinant is the level of experience, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that the agent demonstrates.
And actually, these are the value that defines Reis Insurance. So, why not consult us and save yourself from unnecessary pressure?
