| Car Accident Settlement Checklist: Important Things to Do At Crash Site |
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| Written by Asif L Shaikh |
| Thursday, 07 April 2011 23:34 |
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At the car accident scene, there are several actions you can take to increase your car accident settlements.
At the car accident scene, there are several actions you can take to increase your car accident settlements. By following these actions, you can pay for your vehicle damages, personal injuries, medical bills and related fees. If you want more money from the insurance companies, you have to minimize how much responsibility you get for the car crash. The lower fault you get, the more money you can get from your car insurance claims. Avoiding fault also helps to protect you from having any lawful action being taken towards you. So exactly how do you keep clear of fault and get more money? To do so, it is critical to get a hold of proof at the accident scene that demonstrates the vehicle crash was the other car driver's fault. Even if you're in part to blame, you'll need to illustrate that most of the responsibility is on the other vehicle owner. Here's what you really should do at the car accident scene: Stay Calm This is simple but really critical. You were just in a accident and your adrenaline is high. Being irritated and shouting at the other driver is really not going to repair your vehicle or cause you to appear less liable for the crash. Don't argue with the other vehicle owner. The damage is done. Give attention to what needs to be done next. Call the Police As soon as possible after a accident you should dial 911 and explain you were involved in an collision. Let them know the spot where the accident happened and if you need an ambulance. Get Other Vehicle Owner's Information To get paid for your damages, you will need to get the other car driver's information. Record the following information: *Name and Driver's License Number * Car License Plate Number * Name of Insurance Company and Insurance Policy Number Read the insurance policy to make sure it isn't out of date. If the name on the insurance policy does not match the vehicle owner's, ask for insurance policy holder's name and contact information. You will use this critical information to get hold of the other vehicle driver's insurance company and start a car accident claim. Take Photos and Write Down Notes You can use your cell phone or digital camera to take lots of pictures of the accident location. In addition, you should make quick notes about how the auto accident happened. As time goes on, your memory about the auto accident will fade. You want to record as much important information as possible in case you cannot remember a crucial detail. Jot down as many details as you can remember. For example, at what time did the auto accident take place, where were you driving to, what was the speed of your vehicle etc. You'll use these details to clarify to the police and insurance companies how your accident occured. Identify Witnesses Finding anyone who saw the car wreck happen can back-up your story. Ask the people at the vehicle accident area if they observed who was to blame and where the other driver was driving from. If they are ready to work with you, record their names and contact information. Talk with the Police When the police appear, they will take you and other car driver aside to ask questions about the accident. They will collect details about your insurance company, vehicle, road conditions and get statements from any witnesses at the scene If your automobile is extremely damaged, then a tow truck will be called to move your car and be taken to a garage. Always remember to take pictures of your accident when you move your vehicle. After the police have talked to everyone they will file a car accident report. This report contains specifics about the accident that you will need for your auto accident claim. Make a note of the police officers badge number and ask when the auto accident report will be completed. Once the report is completed, you can go get a copy of the report to go over all the details. Once everything is resolved at the accident scene you will have to contact the insurance companies. Call the Insurance Company Call up your insurance company first. Then if you feel the other car driver was to blame, call the other driver's insurance company to start a claim against them. Once you've started your accident claim, you can begin collecting and recording information and facts that will help get you get compensated for any car damages and personal injuries. DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice. Find out how to increase your car accident insurance claims and personal injury settlements |