
What To Do If You Are In An Accident
Each situation is unique, but if you are involved in a collision, please consider the following:
- Assess if it's safe to leave the vehicle
- Determine if anyone is injured
- Assess if you are in a safe location to call 911
- DON'T leave the accident scene
- Do report the accident at once to the police
- DON'T admit fault at the scene
- DON'T give a statement to anyone but the Investigating Officer.
- DO gather all the facts-date, time, names and addresses of all people involved and all vehicle information.
- DON'T be pressured into having your vehicle towed anywhere (have your vehicle repaired where you want it repaired with people you know.)
- DO report the accident to your insurance company even if not making a claim.
- Drivers name, address, Phone number & Driver's license number
- License plate number, state of origin & vehicle Identification number
- Insurance company name, phone number & Policy number
- Date
- Time
- Weather conditions
- Road Conditions
- Police Officer/Badge #
- Police Department
In the unfortunate event of an accident, it is extremely important that you know your rights and responsibilities.
IT IS UNLAWFUL IN ALMOST ANY STATE
- For an insurance company to make you have your vehicle repaired at a repair facility of their choice.
- For an insurance adjuster to direct you to a repair facility to have your vehicle repaired.
- For an insurance company to decline your request to have a vehicle repaired at a facility or your choice.
AS A CONSUMER YOU ARE ENTITLED TO:
- Have your vehicle restored to its pre-loss condition.
- Have your vehicle towed from the scene of an accident and towed from the storage facility to the repair center of your choice.
- Choose your repair center even if the vehicle was towed by the local towing contractor to another shop.
BE CAREFUL!
- BE CAUTIOUS OF "WRECK CHASERS"
- DON'T LET ANYONE MOVE OR TOW YOUR VEHICLE UNTIL THE POLICE ARE PRESENT
- NEVER LEAVE THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT