What to Do if You Are in a Car Accident from Matthews Area Toyota

Jul 10, 2013

Accidents can happen to the safest drivers. Minor and major accidents require drivers to stay calm and not panic. Matthews area Toyota wants drivers to know what to do after you’ve been in an accident to help avoid unnecessary worry or additional problems.

Move Off the Road

If you’ve had a small fender bender, police don’t often come and file a report. You are able to move the vehicles off the road to safety. Otherwise you may be setting yourself up for another accident in the line of traffic.

Exchange Information

Information that needs to be given to each other includes driver’s name, address, phone number, insurance company, policy number, license plate number, and driver’s license number. It is important to get the description of the other car, its year, color, model, make, and where the accident happened. If there was a witness, get their name and number too.

Never give your social security number out after an accident, even to the police.

Keep Quiet

Get the information and be nice, but keep the conversation minimal. Don’t apologize or admit fault. That admittance of guilt can be used against you later on.

Get Photos of the Accident

Pretty much all cell phones and smartphones have cameras on them. Take pictures of where the accident happened, the damages, and those involved. This information will be used by the insurance company with the claim.

File an Accident Report

If police do not come, file a state vehicle accident report available at DMV or police stations. If the police do show up, ask for a copy of the report from them. This will speed up the process with the insurance company.