This article was brought to you courtesy of Tricia Zwirner, your local State Farm Agent located in Windham.
Although
no two auto accidents are alike, there are preparation and post-accident steps that
every driver should take - like downloading your insurer’s mobile app.
Here’s
what you need to know before an auto accident:
Remember
APB: Always Be Prepared
Download
a copy of your insurer’s mobile app and register your account. Many carriers
have mobile apps that enable you to have an accessible digital copy of your
insurance card as well as agent contact information.
Stash
a copy of your insurance card and registration in your vehicle.
Keep
a camera handy to document any post-accident damage. If you don’t have a phone
that could be used for this purpose, consider spending a few dollars on a
disposable camera to keep in your vehicle.
After
an Auto Accident
Ask
yourself: Is anyone hurt? If so, immediately contact emergency services for
help.
Always
call the police, no matter the severity of the accident. If the accident is
minor, you may be asked to file a police report on your own, which you should
do.
Get
out of the way, if you can. If the vehicles are drivable, move them to a spot
on the shoulder or otherwise out of the way of traffic.
Turn
on your hazard lights and set up emergency cones if you have them.
Get
out of the vehicle unless it is unsafe to do so.
Use
the mobile app to contact Roadside Assistance for towing help or call AAA/a
local tow company.
Record
all the details.
Call
your agent or use the mobile app to alert your insurance carrier that you’ve
been in an accident.
Share
your insurance and contact details with everyone involved in the accident.
Ask
the other driver(s) to share their details, too. This information will be
needed once fault and financial responsibility are established. Make sure to
record if they are the car owners and if they have any passengers in their car.
Also, be sure to secure witness contact information, too!
Take
notes about what you remember of the accident and save your photos in a special
folder in your photos app. Upload the photos to your carrier’s app, if able.
Ask
for and keep a copy of the police report. Upload it too, if able.
What
Happens Next
The
accident will be investigated to determine who is at fault and outline who is
financially responsible for repairs and other costs, including medical bills. Provide
as much information to your claims department as possible and stay in touch
with them until a liability determination is made. Be sure to contact them directly with your claims
related questions.
What
You Should Never Do
Don’t
try to assign blame.
Don’t
sign anything from anyone other than the police.
Don’t
leave the scene.
Don’t
refuse medical treatment if you believe you are injured.
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