2014年7月27日星期日

Had A Minor Car Accident What To Do Next

Had A Minor Car Accident What To Do Next

Had A Minor Car Accident What To Do Next


A car accident, whether minor or major, can be a very stressful experience. Never assume that because it was a minor accident that it can be ignored or that you do not need to do the same things that you will in a major accident. A minor accident may end up having unexpected repercussions, such as vehicle damages or personal injuries that do not appear until well after the date of the accident. Follow the tips below to insure that you are covered when you have a minor accident.

Anytime an accident occurs, the first step is obtaining information. This should include swapping information with the other driver, regardless of who is perceived to be at fault. Get the name of the other driver, their driver?s license number, the state in which the license was issued, the license plate number and issuing state of the license plate. It is also important to get all insurance information. Make note of the car insurance company, their policy number, and the name of their agent. Every piece of information contained on a drivers license or an insurance card may prove to be invaluable information later, so it?s important to write down.

If possible, photos should be taken. Even if a digital camera is not available, photos taken on a cellular phone are helpful to establish the details. Take photos from every possible angle, and include both vehicles in the photos. Taking close up photos of the damage, if any, is also important because it helps to establish the exact extent of damage in case of a dispute.

While still at the scene of the accident, the insurance company should be notified. Many insurance companies have a 24 hour hotline in case of accidents, but if this service is not available a message should be left for the insurance agent notifying them that there has been an accident and requesting that they make contact the next day. The insurance company will assign an adjuster to your case. Stay in close contact with the insurance representative, and keep them updated on any contact that you receive from the other driver or their insurance representative. Do not attempt to discuss the insurance case or the accident with the other driver or their insurer, since this type of negotiation is best handled by the trained experts.

Even if there have been no injuries that are immediately apparent, it is always wise to be seen by a doctor. Some injuries, especially soft tissue injuries such as whiplash, may not be obvious until a day or more after the accident. It may also be necessary to be seen by a physical therapist or other specialist after consulting your doctor. Always keep the insurance company informed about the healing process and the current state of health so that they are able to accurately handle the claim in a timely manner.

When obtaining repair estimates on the vehicle, it is often best to consult several different repair shops. This can help secure the lowest repair cost, and also give a clear idea of how long the repairs will take. Make sure to speak with your insurance company about getting a rental car if your car will need to be in the repair shop for an extended period. After an accident, it is important to get every possible piece of information. Even those details that may seem unimportant or minor at the time may be vital information later. A minor auto accident does not have to cause major problems as long as it is handled properly.



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