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If you drive a car, no matter how careful you are, there is a good chance that you will be involved in an automobile accident. If you are in an accident, after you contact the police and make sure that no one is injured, you should decide if the accident warrants a call to your insurance company for a claim. If the damage is severe enough that a claim needs to be filed, there are some steps you should take to make the process easier and less confusing.
Before you call your insurance company, make sure you have your information, policy number and the information from the other driver involved in the accident. You should also know what your deductible is and what type of policy you have. If you only have liability and you are at fault, your insurance company will only pay for damage to the other driver's car.
Find witnesses if they are available and make sure they are willing to talk to your insurance company in the event that your version of the accident is contested by the other driver. Make sure that you have everything you need to document exactly what happened. Take photos of the accident scene if possible. Make sure you get the names of any law enforcement officers that work your accident.
Call you insurance company and let them know that an accident occurred. You will likely need to provide a copy of the police report along with your written statement of what happened. Your statement should include your name as well as the names and contact information of others involved in the accident and any witnesses. Completely describe the accident, including the date, time and place the accident occurred.
After you have called your insurance company, begin to keep a log of all expenses related to the accident. Make sure you keep all of your receipts. If you have to be treated at the hospital, get a copy of your medical records from your treatment. You should also get a copy of your hospital statement. If you lose time from work because of the accident, get copies of paperwork documenting the accident as well as any paperwork that can document any lost wages.
After you have made your claim, expect to meet with an insurance claims adjuster who will examine your car and determine the cost to repair the vehicle. If the cost to repair the vehicle is more than the actual cash value, then the adjust will total your vehicle. You have the right to get an second estimate from a mechanic of your choosing prior to accepting the claims adjusters estimate. You also have the right to have any work performed at a place of your choosing.
Being in an accident can be a stressful experience, but by knowing what to expect, you can make the process go smoother. Call you insurance company as soon after the accident as possible, give as many details about the accident as you can and keep copies of all paperwork and receipts related to the accident and filing your claim will be easier.
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