Car accident may take only few seconds- however, the things you do immediately thereafter may influence your future safety, your finances, as well as your insurance claim.
Whether it was a small fender bender or a major car crash, by knowing what to do at the moment of the accident in the United States you can protect your rights and have your insurance pay faster.
This easy-to-follow guide outlines the specifics of what to follow immediately after an auto accident happens and how to claim an insurance usage and which errors should be avoided.
Step 1: Remain composed and Keep a check on injuries.
Car Accident:
- The first thing is safety.
- Check yourself for injuries.
- Scrutinize passengers in your cars.
- In case there are injured persons, call 911.
- Turn on hazard lights.
In case of a minor accident where no one was injured, pull your car to a safe place (where possible) so that you do not cause traffic jam.
Always stay on the accident location, which is subject to grave legal consequences.
Step 2: Invoke the Police (Where necessary)
In the majority of the U.S. states, you need to call the police when:
- Someone is injured
- Damage to property is over a given amount (depending on the state).
- The other motorist looks drunk.
- Significant damage to vehicles.
A police report is very useful in making claims to insurance since it records:
- Time and location
- Driver statements
- Witness information
- Initial fault assessment
Never leave without asking to be copied or get a report number.
Step 3: Exchange Information
Take the following information of the other motorist:
- Full name
- Phone number
- Address
- Driver’s license number
- License plate number
- Insurance company name
- Policy number
Provided witnesses are around, also get them in terms of contacts.
Arguing over the fault at the scene is dangerous. Do not tell them it was your fault, leave the insurers to examine.
Step 4: Take Pictures and Record All the Things.
Use your phone to capture:
- Damage to all vehicles
- License plates
- Road conditions
- Traffic signs or signals
- Skid marks
- Visible injuries
The more you document the easier it will be to make an insurance claim.
Step 5: Report to Your insurance company.
Immediately get in touch with your insurer preferably within 24 hours.
Major U.S. insurers such as:
- State Farm
- GEICO
- Progressive
- Allstate
provide mobile applications to make claims in real-time.
When reporting, provide:
- Date and time
- Location
- Photos
- Police report number
- Other driver’s information
Be honest and stick to facts.
Step 6: Learn about Your Coverage.
Depending on the kind of coverage you are having, your payout will be determined.
Coverage Types
| Coverage Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Liability Coverage | Covers harm or personal liabilities that you have inflicted on others. |
| Collision Coverage | Payments made to repair your car in case of an accident. |
| Comprehensive Coverage | Insures non-collision damage (theft, weather, vandalism). |
| Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Insurance | Covers you in case the other driver is minimally insured or not insured. |
| Medical Payments (MedPay) or PIP | Covers any medical cover with or without fault. |
Familiarize yourself with policy.
Step 7 Teach-back-the Insurance Adjuster.
Once you have submitted your claim, the insurer hears an adjuster.
The adjuster will:
- Review damage photos
- Inspect the vehicle
- Estimate repair costs
- Determine fault
- Approve payment
Be receptive and collaborative. In case you do not agree with the estimate, you may ask it to be re-assessed.
Step 8: Choose a Repair Shop
You can normally have the right to select the repair shop.
Insurers will suggest shops to be preferred, but they are not compulsory.
Before approving repairs:
- Review the estimate
- Confirm deductible amount
- Ask about repair timeline
In case your vehicle is pronounced dead, an insurer will provide you with a settlement amounting to the car market value.
Step 9: Know Your Deductible.
The amount you pay before insurance covers the remaining is referred to as a deductible.
Example
| Repair Cost | Deductible | You Pay | Insurance Pays |
|---|---|---|---|
| $4,000 | $500 | $500 | $3,500 |
The deductibles are increased resulting in low premiums but increase out-of-pocket costs following accidents.
Step 10: Surveillance Medical Treatment.
If injured:
- Immediately consult a doctor.
- Store all medical files and invoices.
- Follow doctor instructions
Even the smallest injuries such as the whiplash may deteriorate with time.
In case the other driver is in the wrong, their liability cover can cover you.
Step 11: Avoid Common Mistakes
After an accident, avoid:
- Postponing reporting insurance.
- Making an early confession.
- Sharing information on the social media.
- Taking fast money without due diligence.
- Ignoring medical symptoms
Investigations of insurance may take several weeks – be patient.
What to do in case the other driver is not insured?
In case the other motorist is not insured:
- Make a claim in your uninsured motorist coverage.
- Collision coverage- use where possible.
- Small claims court may be considered.
Policies of this type are worthwhile since the number of uninsured drivers in many states in the United States is quite high.
What If the Accident was your fault?
If you caused the accident:
- Liability coverage reimburses the damages of others.
- Your vehicle repairs are covered by your collision cover.
- Your rates are subject to renewal increase.
A few insurance companies are also providing accident forgiveness scheme in which they do not increase the rates after the first accident.
How Long Does a Claim Take?
Typical timeline
| Type of Claim | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Minor claims | 1–3 weeks |
| Moderate damage | 3–6 weeks |
| Compete injury claims | A number of months |
Keep in touch with your adjuster.
Are Your Insurance Premises Going to be Raised?
It depends on:
- Fault determination
- Driving history
- State laws
- Accident severity
Premiums normally rise in at-fault accidents. Not-at-fault accidents are not necessarily so.
Conclusion
The stress related to a car accident is lessened when you know your course of action on how to go about the insurance process.
Remember the basics:
- Stay safe.
- Document everything.
- Notify your insurer quickly.
- Understand your coverage.
- Follow up medical checkups and fixes.
Knowledge and preparation are the most protective measures to use after a crash.