Understanding All Auto Insurance ClaimsBy Sher Matsen
If you are involved in an accident it is important that you know the proper procedure for filing an insurance claim. You will most likely need to deal with one or more adjusters who will determine the insurance salvage. Follow these simple tips to make sure you have taken all the necessary steps to collect the correct information and follow the correct procedure.
Do your self a favor and prepare in advance. Know the laws and the reporting requirements of the state you live in and drive in. Always carry an accident package in your car. It should contain paper, pen, and accident reporting form which are available online free from the DMV.
If an accident occurs remain calm and stop your car. If there are injuries do what you can to make the person or persons comfortable. Call the EMT to treat any injured parties and call the police.
If you smell gas or if the car is on fire clear all persons away from the area. Do not move seriously injured people unless it is a threat to their lives to leave them where they are.
If the accident is minor and there is only property damage and no injuries, put your hazard lights on and drive both vehicles to a safe location at the side of the road. Set up flare or reflective triangles in the rear and side of the cars to ensure other motorists are aware of your location.
Both drivers need exchange car insurance information. You also need to exchange the names of the drivers, all passengers in the vehicle, and any witnesses. As well as names you should obtain complete addresses and telephone numbers.
Next you will need to contact your insurance company and if you feel you need to contact a lawyer now is the time to do so.
Your car insurance company will need to collect all pertinent information. They will need the year, make, model, and license plate number of the other car. They will also need the drivers name, address, telephone number, date of birth, and his or her driver’s license number as well as the issuing state.
If the other drive is not insured obtain as much information as you can then notify the police. Both the police and the insurance company will want the full names, addresses, and phone numbers of all witnesses.
If the police attend the accident scene request a business card from the attending officer that gives his full name and how you might reach him.
If you have a digital camera handy take plenty of photos. These days many people have a digital camera built right into their cell phone which is very convenient.
As soon as you are able, write down all details pertaining to the accident. Information such as weather conditions, pavement conditions, visibility and lightening could all become very important in determining who was at fault.
You also need to record the estimated speed of both vehicles. As well do a sketch of the accident scene marking the direction each driver was traveling. Make notes of things such as stop signs, traffic lights, other vehicles on the roadway, and any obstacles.
You should also record all damage to the car and any other property as well as all body injuries no matter how minor they appear.
Whatever you do, do not discuss who is at fault with the other driver. Insurance companies recommend you do not engage in conversation about fault. Give the police officer an account of the accident but in privacy away from the other driver.
Remember no one can force you to give details of the accident or admit blame. You always have the right to consult a lawyer before answering any questions.
Let’s hope you never have to file an insurance claim. But if you are well prepared should an accident occur you will be much more likely to record the necessary information to ensure that your claim proceeds smoothly.
|
You've Been Sued! Will Your Insurer Help?
Your first call if you are sued after an accident should be to your car insurance company, which can defend you, negotiate a settlement or go to court.
Older Honda Accords, Civics continue to top most stolen car rankings
Honda?s Accord and Civic sedans were the two most stolen vehicles in America last year, according to the latest Hot Wheels report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau.
Footballers' painful wait for surgery
Several teenage rugby league players are being forced to wait for surgery on debilitating knee injuries because insurance for the sport is inadequate.
Best Used Cars for Teens
Suitable Choices for First-Time Drivers
Can You Really Daily Drive A Classic Car?
When I was fifteen, I began restoring my 1966 Ford Mustang which I drove daily from age sixteen to seventeen - in all of its dual exhaust, low-geared, four barrel carburetor, nine mile per gallon glory (I still have that car). At age twenty-two, I bought a 1979 MGB which was the most moody little thing I have ever owned and liked to set herself on fire when she was feeling just the right flavor ...
Crook stole same car twice
According to the official FBI website, 40-year-old David Nicoll, of Mountain Lakes, N.J., amassed a significant fortune through his company, Biodiagnosotic Laboratory Services, LLC, via a scheme to bribe health care providers to prescribe unnecessary blood tests.
National Association of Professional Women Announces Joanna Y. Moore, Owner of J Moore Consulting Services, a 2014 ...
Joanna Y. Moore is recognized as an NAPW VIP Woman of the Year for her outstanding leadership and commitment within her profession (PRWeb September 08, 2014) Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/napw/consultantinsurancewitnes/prweb12126861.htm
Taunton man dead in 2-car crash
A Taunton man was killed late Friday night in a two-car crash in Raynham.
GardenWalk Apartments evacuated
Shayna Griffin was watching a cartoon Wednesday morning with her 2-year-old son when a car smashed through their apartment wall at GardenWalk Apartments, launching debris and household items toward them.
MORNING RUSH: news, sport, weather, traffic and online buzz
Welcome to Monday's edition of the Morning Rush - the Mercury's morning blog
|
