At Henricks Wilging Insurance, we hope our policyholders never find themselves behind the wheel when a car accident occurs, but we want to make sure you’re prepared to take the right steps and protect yourself if you do. We’ve drafted this quick and easy guide to help you navigate the aftermath of a car accident (and we’re just a phone call away).
Call 911 to Report the Accident
One of the most common mistakes drivers make after a car accident is deciding not to report the accident. They fail to report for a number of reasons:
- Worry that their insurance premiums will go up
- Concern that they may have been at fault and might be in trouble
- Feeling pressured by the other driver not to contact police
However, not reporting the accident can put you at risk of serious consequences. Be sure to call 911, follow the dispatcher’s instructions carefully, and don’t hang up until he or she has ended the call.
Call Your Insurance Office
Adrenaline can lead us to make rash decisions after an accident, like admitting guilt before we know who was at fault. Call your insurance agent’s office to let them know that you’ve been in an accident, and they’ll give you the reassurance and guidance you need to navigate this challenging situation successfully. We understand you may need to handle some things on the scene first, and that’s okay, but call when it makes the most sense.
Document, Document, Document
Take a few moments to record the accident and details surrounding it as soon as possible, when your memory is fresh. Things that might be helpful later include:
- The name, phone number/address, and insurance information for any other drivers who were involved
- Whether there are passengers present in any of the vehicles
- Whether anyone is visibly injured or vocalizing injuries
- Photographs of any damage that occurred as a result of the accident (to vehicles and other property like buildings, signs, or fences)
- Your recollection of the how the accident occurred in narrative form
Don’t be afraid to use your cell phone to take photos or document details, and be prepared to share everything you’ve gathered with your insurance agent later. These details can be beneficial in investigating the accident and processing your claim.
Cooperate with Law Enforcement
Don’t leave the scene until you’ve assisted the police officer with the police report. Your involvement in the police report will likely include:
- Sharing your perspective of exactly how the accident happened. Share what you know, but don’t admit guilt; only a thorough investigation can determine who was at fault in an accident.
- Answering questions about personal injury or damage to your vehicle.
- Providing documents as requested, like your insurance card, driver’s license, or vehicle registration card.
Ask the police officer for a copy of the report before he or she leaves, but if they aren’t able to provide it, that’s okay.
To explore the possibility of lowering your auto insurance rates, visit the team at Henricks Wilging Insurance today!
