Have you been in a car accident and did not know the claim process?
Once everyone is safe, you can think about the claim process.
Car accidents are unfortunate occurrences. The situation can worsen when you do not know the claim process. Knowing the claim process can save you from more frustrations, as it makes the process simpler. You also avoid mistakes that may cost you.
For example, the confusion can make you admit fault for causing an accident. This admission can land you in trouble and make your insurance company hesitant to compensate you.
Do you want to discover the claim process? This article will help you learn more about the claim process after a car accident.
1. Start With Calling 911
Alert the police or highway patrol. This requirement is crucial, including after minor accidents. Some authorities need those involved to report all road accidents. You may be liable to punitive measures if you do not report the accident in these jurisdictions.
If the police cannot come to the accident scene, record your statement in a station. Your insurance company may need the accident report and the scenes documentation that the officers fill, so get a copy.
Discuss the facts of the accident with the responding officers. Do not tell them your opinion of what happened or admit fault.
2. Contact Your Agent As Soon as Possible
Your agent will advise you on what to expect and any steps you should take after the accident.
3. Document the Accident
You may forget this crucial step. Documenting the accident helps you to collect essential details that can help your claim process.
Here is the information you will need for your claim process.
- Information on what happened
- Information on the driver
- Information for insurance
You can break down the information into these categories.
- Car Accident Form – Get a copy of this document that you may use to collect accident information from your local police station or DMV office. States, such as Wisconsin, have varying car accident forms. Get one that simplifies the process.
- Information on the Driver to Collect After the Accident
- Name of driver
- Address of driver
- Telephone number or other contact details
- Information to Get About the Other Driver’s Insurance Firm in a Car Accident
- Insurance firm’s name
- Insurance company policy number
- Information to Get About the Other Car Involved in the Accident
- Vehicle model, description, make, and year — you can take pictures of the vehicle
- License plate number
- Vehicle registration information
- Information to Get About the Car Accident
- Time and date of the accident
- (Approximate) address of the accident
- The road you are using and the nearest crossing street
- Take photos of the accident scene using your phone or another device
- The direction the cars were traveling in
- Detail what happened (you can record yourself when giving your account to avoid forgetting essential information)
- Names and contact information of witnesses
- Notes regarding the weather, driving conditions, visibility, and anything else pertinent to the accident
- Names, badge numbers, and contact information of the responding officers
4. Do Not Accept or Discuss Your Fault in the Accident
“Your words can be used against you.”
Be careful about what you say after the accident, as utterances made in confusion or frustration can cause you problems. Avoid saying sorry, or you will pay for damages. Leave these negotiations to your insurance company.
5. Answering Questions and Helping the Police With the Accident Report
Cooperate with the cops, but do not admit liability. Car accidents are frustrating experiences. Following the claim process can help you avoid more issues.
Smith Insurance and Financial Services provide professional insurance coverage and hometown service. Contact us now and let us provide you with professional insurance coverage.
