Your safety is most important. Stay put unless safety is a concern then take photos (if possible) of vehicles placement and then move vehicles to a safe spot out of traffic. Never stand “between” the two parked vehicles and, if you feel the need to take a photo between cars, keep an eye on traffic to find a safe moment.
Call the police and stay put, if safe, until they arrive. Cooperate with the police investigation Keep any conversation factual and don’t let emotions influence what you say. Don’t admit fault or assume responsibility for any damages or injuries caused in the accident.
Keep in mind, the police may not respond if the accident happened on private property or if it happened during severe weather conditions when the county or city is on “Accident Alert”. During an accident alert, police can respond if: 1. The car is undrivable, 2. It involves drugs or alcohol, 3. There are injuries or loss of life, 4. There is no insurance coverage, 5. hit and run, 6 Or public property, like a guardrail, is damaged.
- Get the name, phone number, driver license number and address of each driver and verify that information with their driver license.
- Get the name, phone number and address of each passenger and witness
- Get the license number of any other cars involved at the scene and take photos of the plate.
- Get the name of the insurance company and policy number for each vehicle involved. A photo is best.
- Get the name of the investigating officer.
- Take photos of the accident from all angles, showing the damage to each car. Take photos of license plates, driver’s licenses & insurance cards.
- Write down the details of the accident while they ‘re still fresh in you mind
- Draw a diagram of the accident scene, including stop signs, traffic lights, objects in the road, etc.
- If you car needs to be towed, try to get the name, address and phone number of where your vehicle will be located so the insurance company can find and/or gain authorization to inspect it.
- When calling the insurance company to report the claim, keep in mind, your call/statement will be recorded.
- Be sure to give the insurance company good contact information for you. Give them the best timeframe for each phone number you provide them.
- Make sure you write down your claims number and insurance claims adjusters name and phone number assigned by the insurance company. (The Adjusters may not be assigned on the first call)
If you follow up on a claim, try calling the insurance company’s main claims phone number and then get transferred to the adjuster assigned to your claim number, instead of calling your adjusters directly. The adjusters could change and by calling the main number, there should be a record of the time and date of your called on your claims file.
- Check for Injuries
- Call Local Police
- Exchange Insurance, Driver, and License plate information
- Photograph both cars
Information you will need to file a claim
- Basic Description of what happened.
- Estimated time/location of accident
- Contact Information for witnesses
- Photos of the damage and other car details
The Above Information is Courtesy of Elkstone Insurance Group, Inc. For a free no-obligation quote on your insurance from several insurance companies, please contact:
Martin A. Sajbel, Insurance Broker 303-716-0970 or visit: www.elkstoneinsurance.com
