If you've ever been in a car accident, even a tiny fender bender, you know how flustered and shaken up it can make you. It's easy to forget what steps you need to take to protect yourself and make sure any necessary repair costs will be covered properly. The following tips can help you stay calm and gather the information you need.
By Times Staff Writer
Published May 4, 2003
1. Put safety above all else. Check for injuries to yourself, your passengers and people in the other vehicles. Move the cars to the side of the road. If that can't be done, stay inside the cars with seat belts fastened until help arrives.
2. Be prepared. Carry an emergency kit in your glove compartment that includes a cell phone, a pen and paper, your vehicle's registration, a copy of your insurance card, contact numbers for local police departments and a disposable camera. It's also a good idea to keep cones or emergency flares in the trunk.
3. Call the police. No matter how minor the damage seems, report the accident to the police. That tiny dent could cost hundreds of dollars to fix. Make sure the police officer gives you a copy of the "driver information exchange form," which law enforcement officials use to gather personal and insurance information.
4. If the police don't come to the scene for some reason, be sure to exchange the following information: name; address; phone number; insurance company; policy number; driver's license number; license plate number for the driver and the owner of each vehicle; a description of each car, including year, make, model and color; the exact location of the accident; and how it happened.
5. Document what happened. Take photos of all vehicles involved in the accident and gather names and contact information from witnesses.
6. Know what not to do. While remaining as calm and as polite as possible, be sure not to: tell the other drivers or the police that you think the accident was your fault; accept monetary compensation at the scene; or discuss the specifics of the accident with anyone except police or your insurance agent. Allow police officers to determine liability.
7. Stay put. Don't leave the scene until a police officer says it's okay to do so.
8. Reflect on your insurance coverage. Know in advance whether your policy covers towing services or a replacement rental car. Such extras typically don't cost much, and they can be godsends if you're in an accident.
9. When you get home. While the accident is still fresh in your mind, jot down a quick description of what happened, including diagrams showing the positions of the vehicles before and after the collision.
10. Contact your insurance agent right away. Agents will usually accept first notification of an accident on their voice mail after hours. Make arrangements to give your agent all of your documentation.
- Compiled by Laura T. Coffey. Sources: Edmunds.com (www.edmunds.com) Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (www.iiaa.org) Florida Department of Financial Services (www.fldfs.com)
