Did you know that in 2012 in Indiana alone, according to IN.gov, there were 188,841 traffic accidents resulting in injury or property damage? There were also a recorded 718 fatal accidents in Indiana. According to The US Department of Transportation, in 2012 the US had a reported 2.36 million accidents involving injury. That’s almost 6,500 accidents a day! There was also 33,561 fatal accidents. As you can see, this could easily be you. What should you do if you are involved in a car wreck?
At any moment while driving, you could be struck by another car. This happens on a daily basis, but how do you prepare for a sudden moment such as this. First, know what your insurance policy is and what company it is through. Be sure you have the correct amount of coverage to not only meet state requirements, but to cover yourself in the case of a serious accident. Keep your insurance card on hand when in your vehicle, whether this be in your glove compartment or in your wallet. Another good idea is to keep a camera in your vehicle, disposable is best. This way you don’t have to worry about the camera being dead at your time of need. You should also keep a pen and paper handy for writing down important information about the accident.
After the accident occurs, be sure to contact the local authorities. Even in a minor fender bender the police department will still file an incident report. In some cases, the police may not come to the scene of the accident if it is minor, but you can still file a report with the local office. This is extremely helpful if an injury occurs and when filing a claim with your auto insurance. They will help to determine and clarify who was at fault in the accident.
The next step is to call your insurance company immediately. You should do this within 24 hours of the incident. Next, be sure to use that camera to take pictures of not only the vehicles, but also your surroundings. This information is extremely important when filing a claim, as well if a law suit begins due to the accident. You want to take pictures of street signs, road markings, and both vehicles. Write down any information you can remember in detail about how the accident occurred. Your insurance company will need to know this information, as well as any attorneys that you may need. You will want to jot down the other parties name, contact info, and insurance information. You should also write down contact information of any witness that saw the accident occur. This is important so you have someone who can confirm your story.
Taking these simple steps will have you better prepared in the event of an accident did occur. Being prepared is the one thing you can control in this situation.
