Getting in a car accident is never a part of your daily agenda, but it will likely happen to all of us at one time or another. Make sure that you are prepared if and when you are in an accident by following these 8 steps. These will make sure that you don’t miss a step in the process when you are in the middle of this stressful and chaotic situation.
1. Stop Safely – When an accident occurs, you need to immediately get yourself and your automobile in a safe location and stop. Pull off the road, or into a parking lot nearby. Make sure that the place you go is well lit if the accident occurs at night.
2. Get Medical Attention – If anyone was hurt in the accident, call for medical help immediately. Your health should be your #1 priority – don’t neglect it!
3. Call the Police – Regardless of whether medical attention was necessary, make sure that you call the police. They can collect evidence, take statements from witnesses, and will file an accident report that could come in handy when you file an insurance claim.
4. Document the Accident – Before you leave the scene, write down and take pictures/video of everything that you can. This includes the damage to your car and any other cars involved, any injuries that you sustained, and the area where the accident occurred. Also draw a map or diagram of the accident as it happened from your point of view. If you have a smartphone, make sure that you download the Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency Mobile App.
5. Exchange Information – According to the Massachusetts DMV.org website, you should exchange the following information with all parties involved in the accident:
- Names, addresses, and telephone numbers
- Driver license numbers
- License plate numbers
- Vehicle descriptions
- Insurance information
And don’t forget to also write down the contact information of anyone that witnessed the accident. Also make note of any nearby businesses that could have recorded the accident on their security footage, and ask for a copy if you think you will need it. But don’t wait, this information is sometimes deleted after only a few days.
6. File an Insurance Claim – It is important that you call your Massachusetts auto insurance agent early in the process so that they can get started in the claims process. The earlier that you report the accident, the earlier that you will be able to get your repair reimbursement.
7. Get Your Car Repaired – After you’ve informed your insurance agent about the accident and gotten their advice about the situation, you will probably need to get your car inspected or repaired. Make sure that you go to a qualified repair shop. If you need a recommendation, your insurance agent will likely be able to give you one. Also ask your insurance agent if your coverage will pay for a rental car if your primary automobile needs extended repairs.
8. File Your Receipts – After you’ve gotten your car fixed and your car insurance claim is in the works, make sure that you save all receipts that you get that are related to the accident and associated damages. This includes health care statements and car repairs.
We are car insurance experts here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance, and we deal with insurance claims frequently. If you have any questions or concerns about the claim process, feel free to call us at 617-298-0655 to discuss your auto insurance policy and your unique claim.
