A vehicle accident is a shock, even if it is just a minor fender-bender. The impact of the crash causes serious damage to the vehicle, or causes injuries to the driver and passengers. After an accident, taking certain steps can help you file a claim with your personal insurance policy to cover lost income from work, medical expenses, and other losses.
- Step One: Injuries? Call 911. Thoroughly check yourself and your passengers for injuries.
If anyone in your vehicle is injured, call 911 at once so that emergency services can be dispatched to the accident site.
- Step Two: Move to a Safe Location. In a minor collision, move your vehicle to the side of the road to avoid the risk of another collision. If the accident is more serious, leave the vehicle in place and get to the side of the road or sidewalk if possible.
- Step Three: Stay Calm, Wait for Help. It may take some time for emergency services or law enforcement to arrive. Stay calm and provide basic care to the injured, applying pressure with a piece of clothing to bleeding wounds.
- Step Four: Exchange Information. Exchange insurance information with other drivers in the auto accident. Do not discuss who was at fault, or what happened.
- Step Five: Take Pictures. Use your phone to take pictures of the vehicles, skid marks on the road, license plates, and your injuries.
These images can be critical as evidence when filing a claim.
- Step Six: Get Contact Information from Eyewitnesses. Get the contact information (name, address, phone number) of any witnesses to the collision who have stopped to render aid.
- Step Seven: Undergo a Full Medical Evaluation. The adrenaline released into your system in an auto accident suppresses the sensation of pain. You may feel you are fine, but in a day or two, could suffer the effects of the collision, suffering intense pain, severe bruising, or worse. Tell the medical professional attending you that you were in an auto accident, so the information is entered on your chart and the right tests are performed.
Recovering from an Auto Accident and Your Personal Insurance Policy
Recovering from injuries from an auto accident can be a lengthy and painful process. While you have the right to be compensated by the auto insurance company of the responsible driver, the amount paid in a settlement may be far less than you need, particularly when the injuries affect your ability to work and earn a living.That when your personal insurance can be a lifesaver.
