In 2016, there were 10,111 deaths caused by speeding and the numbers are high even today!
If you have found yourself involved in a car accident, whether it was caused by speeding or other factors, things can easily get thrown off track, including your emotions.
The last thing you want though is to have an emotional reaction that is so intense it bars you from getting all the information you need to build a case. Information is the key to making a successful claim and at the scene of a fender bender, there is usually a lot of it to be gathered.
To help you steer in the right direction, here are a few tips on what to do after a fender bender. Keep reading!
Contact the Police
When an accident occurs the best thing you can do is stay calm and check yourself for injuries. If you are not trapped turn on your hazard lights immediately after the impact.
From there, if possible, try to steer to the side of the road and let your next action be to call the police. Even if you believe you’re not at fault or the damage is minor, still, give the officers a call.
Start gathering the relevant documents before the officers arrive on the scene. Having the police on the scene helps to control the situation.
They can take the relevant statements and write up a report. This report may be required by your insurance company, so remember to ask for a copy.
Often what the police report says is the difference between proving or disproving your case, so make sure that you give clear and concise statements to the police.
What to Do After a Fender Bender?
Whether or not you call the police, it is important that you exchange car insurance information. This way, the insurance companies can be in touch with each other in order to resolve the payment of damages.
Along with the insurance information (policy numbers and insurance company’s contact details), you may also exchange names, contact numbers and car details.
Try to take pictures of the damages and write down the accident details. Take pictures of the license plates, street and even ask for the names and contact information of any witnesses that may have gathered.
All this information will be necessary for you to be able to make a claim easily. There will be less work for your insurance company to do because you come armed with information.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company, informing them about the details of the accident. They will inform you of what to do next and give you any advice that may be applicable in your situation.
From there, your insurance company can set up a claim for you and do further investigations into the damages of the accident. You will need to get an estimate of the cost to repair your vehicle.
The insurance company can help here as well, by suggesting a reputable repair shop. If the accident was the fault of the other driver, they will be required to pay your deductible.
However, there are different rules regarding this. In situations like these, you may need to get a car accident attorney to guide you through the process. If the other driver was not at fault, you will need to pay the deductible on your policy before the insurance begins to cover the repairs.
Final Tips on Fender Benders
When it comes to what to do after a fender bender, you definitely want to ensure that you exchange or obtain the relevant information from the other driver. Try to get the details of their car, from the scene and even from the police officers, if necessary.
This information holds the key to whether or not their insurance company pays for your damages. Moreover, your insurance company may not pay for your damages if they are unable to get in touch with the other driver’s insurance agent.
Acquiring the relevant information is tantamount to having a smooth flow and getting things, straightened out.
This information holds the key to whether or not the other driver’s insurance company pays for your damages. Moreover, your insurance company may not pay for your damages if they are unable to get in touch with the other driver’s insurance agent.
Remember too that you should visit the doctor immediately if you feel you have been injured. In this way, you will get a medical report that will help your case.
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