Accidents... |
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Know what to do if you are involved in
an auto accident before the accident. Please feel free to
print this page and keep it in your automobile. Following are some
tips on what to do and how to prepare yourself:
- Immediately
stop at the scene.
- If there are
injuries call the paramedics.
- Call the
police. (In some areas, police authorities may consider factors
such as the severity and location of the accident and may not come
to every accident scene. Most policies require notification of
police within a specified time period if the accident is a hit and
run.)
- Obtain the
names, addresses, phone numbers and driver's license numbers of
all parties involved in the accident.
- Get the
names, addresses and phone numbers of witnesses as well.
- You should
also obtain the year, make, model, license plate number,
registration, insurance carrier, and policy number of the involved
vehicle(s).
- If you have a
camera, take photographs of the damage, the position of the cars
and the accident scene, i.e. traffic controls, visual obstacles.
- If the owner
of a damaged car or damaged property cannot be located, leave a
note with the names and addresses of the drivers and owners of the
involved cars.
- If anyone is
injured or the vehicle damage exceeds $500.00, you must report the
accident to the Department of Motor Vehicle within 10
days--failure to notify the DMV may result in the suspension of
your driver's license.
- Report
the accident to us and your insurance carrier as soon as possible to help
expedite the processing of your claim.
Things to avoid:
- Do not argue
with other drivers and passengers. Save your story for the police
and your insurance company.
- Do not sign
statements of fault or promises to pay for damage.
- If another
party offers to pay your deductible, don't sign anything releasing
him or her from further responsibility. If you release the other
party, your insurance company's subrogation right will be
jeopardized and the company may refuse to pay for damage to your
car.
Additional Suggestions:
- Go to
our Companies section today, jot down the phone
number of your insurance carrier's Claims Center and keep
it with you.
- Keep a camera
in your glove box. If involved in an accident, you will be able to
photograph the scene of the accident and the cars and people
involved in the accident. Having pictures will make it easier for
you to describe and remember what happened and who was
involved.
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