 At some point in our lives, we may have a car accident. Many people do not know what to do when this happens. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
1) Stop your car. Be sure not to leave the accident scene.
2) Get the police and medical help right away. Use your cell phone or get someone else to make the call. You can call for the police (phone number 100 ) also the accident helpline (phone number 1066).
3) When the police is at the scene be sure to tell them what exactly occurred.
4) Follow their instructions carefully.
5) If you can, write down the officer's name.
6) Try and get a copy of the police accident report.
7) Try and get the other driver's name, address, telephone number,their insurance company, names and addresses of all passengers
8) Also try to get the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all witnesses.
9) Write down all the accident facts as soon as you can.
10) Call your insurance company as soon as possible and inform them of the car accident. There is a time period in which you need to do this. So read the policy carefully.
11) Show the damaged car to your claims agent, before you get your car repaired. If it is confirmed that the other driver is at fault, show your car to their claim's agent.
12) You may need to get more than one repair shop estimate. You do not need to use the repair shop the insurance company suggests. If your repair shop charges more than the other company's suggested shop, you may have to pay the difference.
13) If your car is a total loss, it means the cost to fix it is more than what it is worth. Most total loss claims are settled by replacing the car with a comparable one or offering the actual cash value of the car. Try and cooperate with the insurance company's investigation.
14) When you caused the car crash, you have to file a claim with your insurance company.
15) When the other driver caused the accident, you have the option to file a claim with your own insurance company or their company. When you file with your own it is called a "first-party" claim. If you file a claim with the other driver's company it is called a "third-party" claim. Insurance laws differ between the "first-party" and "third-party." It is vital you know what your rights and duties are in both cases. So read your policy. If you have questions, talk with your insurance company or the other driver's company.
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