I've Been in a Car Accident, Now What?

I'VE BEEN IN A CAR ACCIDENT NOW WHAT? CONSIDER THESE STEPS TO TAKE AFTER AN ACCIDENT Check for First thing, take care of yourself and others. Find out if anyone is hurt. If anyone requires emergency assistance, call 911. Injuries Share insurance information with the other Exchange Info | INSURANCE drivers, as well as names, addresses and phone numbers. Write down the other vehicle's make, model and license number. ACCIDENT REPORT File a Call local law enforcement to the scene or go to the nearest station to complete a Report report. Try to obtain a copy or ask the officer for the report number. If you're traveling with a camera or camera phone, it's a good idea to take pictures at the scene. Get shots of the vehicles involved, damage and license plates. This kind of documentation may help later with your claim. Take Photos Contact Your Insurer Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report your accident and any damages. GETTING YOUR CAR REPAIRED AFTER AN ACCIDENT ... ......... ............ . ... ...... .......... Many people don't know what to expect after filing a claim. Check out the following steps to see what you can expect from your insurance company, agent and adjuster. Schedule an Inspection *** *০ *০ ০০০০০ ০০ ০০ ০০ ০ ....०० You'll need to get the damaged vehicle inspected to determine the cost of repairs. Call your insurance company to schedule an inspection. Keep in mind, you have the right to choose the repair facility to make repairs to your vehicle. If you don't have a repair facility, your insurer can recom- mend a repair shop. You're always free to choose any repair shop and you don't have to use a shop your insurer recommends. Speak with an Adjuster ..................................... Your insurance company's claims adjuster will review all the available information – your vehicle's damage, accident/police reports, witness statements - to help determine fault and then provide a cost estimate. Get Up-To-Date Status on Your Claim ................... ...... ०.०.०...० * * == = ** ৪ ৪ Many insurers allow you to check your claims status online. CLAM STATUS By registering with My Account on Allstate.com, for example, you can view your claim status. There, you can register for direct deposit, send a message to your claim contact, view select claim documents, get payment information and select an electronic communication preference. Get Your Car Shipshape Again ..................................................... As soon as the claim has been filed and coverage has been determined, your insurer can help get you on the path to getting your car repaired. You'll need to pay your deductible to the body shop before your insurer pays for any covered damages. CAR ACCIDENTS BY THE NUMBERS Just how common are auto accidents in the United States? You'd be surprised. 119,393,000 U.S. COMMUTERS DROVE TO WORK IN 2009 "2 10,800,000 AUTO ACCIDENTS IN THE UNITED STATES IN 2009 NA NA NA VA NA NA NA NA NA 1,000,000 Drivers 1,000,000 Accidents "Bosed on 2009 Statiatics - Sources Below SOURCES "U.S. Censua Bureau, American Community Survey Reporta, Commuting in the United States: 2009, 2011 U.S. Consus Bureau, Statiotical Abatract of the United Statee: 2012