One of the most important things you should do if you are involved in an accident is get as much information from the other driver as you can. You should immediately record details like the type of car the person was driving, the approximate speed that driver was traveling and the direction of travel. Write these details down as soon as you can, since they can play a key role in determining who was at fault in the accident.
As soon as you have calmed your nerves, you should approach the other driver and exchange insurance information. You should ask the other driver for his or her insurance card, and you should provide your own insurance card to that driver. Be sure to write down complete information, including the full name of the driver, the insurance policy number, the name of the insurance company and the start and end dates of the policy. You will need to provide your own insurance company with this information when you call to report the claim, so make sure you record all information accurately.
Refrain from making statements about who was at fault in the accident, even if you feel that the accident was your fault. It is the job of the insurance and accident investigators to determine fault, and taking the blame for an accident that was the other driver’s fault could severely limit your rights.
It is helpful to take pictures of both of the vehicles involved in the accident, as well as pictures of the surrounding area and the area where the accident took place. Those background photographs can be very important, since they show, among other things, the weather conditions that prevailed at the time of the accident. Pictures can also show things like how narrow or wide the street was, and where each car or truck was located at the time of the crash.
And of course those pictures can also document the damage to both vehicles. The position of the damage on the cars can tell the accident investigator and insurance claim adjuster a great deal about how the accident happened and who was at fault, so the more photographic evidence you can provide the better. In these days of cameras on cell phones getting the pictures you need should not be a problem. If your phone does not have a camera, or if you do not always have your cell phone with you, it is a good idea to keep a small disposable camera in your glove box for use in the event of an accident.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/insurance-articles/understanding-the-car-insurance-claim-process-4701359.html
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