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Step 1
Once you have stopped your vehicle in as safe a place
as possible, and turned off the ignition, determine if
anyone was injured. Get away from the vehicle if you feel
there is a possibility of fire or explosion |
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Step 2
ALWAYS! call the
police (911) first, ad then ask for a fire rescue if needed.
Be sure to tell the 911 operator about any injuries. They
will notify the nearest medical unit and have them
dispatched. |
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Step 3
If possible, move your vehicle to a safer place to prevent
additional accidents and further damage to your vehicle. If
your vehicle cannot be moved, turn on hazard lights, and ask
the investigating officers to help you set up flares until
the vehicle can be towed. |
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Step 4
If another vehicle was involved, gather as much information
as possible about the vehicle such as year, make,
model and license plate number, etc. Get the driver’s info
such as name, address, license number and the name of
his or her insurance company. If the driver does not own the
vehicle, get the name of the vehicle’s owner. Also get the
names and addresses of any passengers in the vehicle, or
other witnesses. |
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Step 5
Make sure you collect the names and badge numbers of
police and other emergency personnel at the scene. Ask the
investigating officer how and where you can obtain a copy of
the police report for your insurance claim. |
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Step 6
If you think the other driver was under the influence of
alcohol or drugs, insist on a breath test for you and the
other driver. |
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Step 7
NEVER apologize
or admit fault for the accident in any way. You may be
required to say what insurance coverage you have, but don’t
say how much insurance you carry. Let all of this come out
in the investigation. You may not be at fault even though
you think you are |
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Step 8
If the other person takes responsibility for the accident,
do not accept compensation he/she may offer you. This will
invariably give up your right to file a claim against the
other driver, even if the damages turn out to be more
extensive than you first thought. Let the adjuster handle
it....even if it is theirs! |
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Step 9
Remember Step 2? Never agree to forget about
an accident, even if there appears to be no damage. You may
find out later that there were actually hidden damages or
injuries. You may even find out the other person has filed a
lawsuit against you, and you might be wanted for leaving the
scene of an accident! Remember this no matter how nice they
are! |
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Step 10
Write down an account of everything that happened
(time of day, weather, hazards, road conditions and driving
speed, pictures diagrams etc) as soon as you can. Estimate
measurements of skid marks and determine point of impact.
Make notes about injuries or statements from anyone who says
they are not hurt. Note any pre-existing damage on other
vehicles involved. This will be needed in the future if a
lawsuit arises, and you are required to remember an event
that happened a long time ago. |
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Step 11
As soon as possible, you need to notify us. You can
email us now or fill out the first notice of loss
online. |
