What to do After an Accident

Late this fall, I received a call from a friend who had been hit in a parking lot by someone backing out of a parking space. The person was adamant that my friend's parked car was at fault. It was a strange circumstance, for sure. 

Most recently, I heard of someone who was given a hand-scribbled note with "the other person's" information after an accident. As it turns out, all of the information appears to be bogus. Bad license plate number. Invalid insurance policy number. Even a false name. Please gather all the information yourself if you are able.

Protect Your Interests after an Auto Accident

While we certainly hope that you are never involved in an auto accident, we realize that they do happen. That's the reason we're in business; that's the reason you trusted us to find the right auto insurance for you. If you are ever involved in an accident, the following suggestions will help the claim process move ahead smoothly. Please print this out and keep a copy in your glove box.

• Make sure that everyone is unhurt—in your car and any others involved. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Even if you think your injuries are minor, it is probably a good idea to have them checked out—either at the hospital or with your family doctor. A seemingly minor injury could turn out to be more serious.
• Call the police. They can help defuse a difficult situation and ascertain who is at fault. Make sure that police on the scene get the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all other involved parties. Ask for a copy of the police report from the officer.
• If you happen to have a camera with you—or a smart phone—take some photos of the vehicles involved, the general area where the accident occurred, and skid marks.
• If possible, safely move the cars out of the way of traffic.
• Do not admit or discuss liability with anyone other than staff at our office or your insurer.
• Get the following information about everyone involved in the accident: name, address, driver's license number, license plate number, description of car, e-mail address, all phone numbers (home, work, and cell), and auto insurance information. Also, obtain contact information from any witnesses to the accident.
• Report the accident immediately to our office. (My cell number is 719-352-9535.)
• While the details are still fresh in your mind, write your own account of the accident. Be sure to make note of anything the other involved parties said about their injuries or about how they may have contributed to or avoided the accident.

Copyright 2013
International Risk Management Institute, Inc.