With today's rapid growth of the road traffic, as a motorist one must accept the possibility being involved in a car accident. Most of the traffic accidents result in material damage, but there are many accidents involving personal injury as well. Despite the numerous problems that arise from the accident, we are distinguishing one, which has to do with the damage. Therefore, we are providing you with some elementary advices in case of accident, which could be very useful in the indemnity proceeding.
WHAT TO DO AFTER AN ACCIDENT
Keep your auto insurance information in your vehicle at all times. If you do not have your auto insurance information, write your policy number, your insurer’s name and phone number on a piece of paper keeping these with your vehicle’s registration slip. Also keep the “European Accident Report”, which should be provided by your insurer. It is recommended to use it - to fill and sign it by you and the other participant.
Try to move your vehicle out of the flow of traffic, if possible. Moving your vehicle out of traffic lanes can prevent further injury or damage.
Administer First Aid only if you are trained to do so. You may be held liable for further injuries caused by your actions after the accident. Do not move any injured people unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Call or have someone else call the police or ambulance if there are injuries.
Stay at the scene of the accident until the police have been gone. Ask the investigating officer how to obtain a copy of the police report for your insurance company. Leave only after the police have left and be sure that they have your side of the story. Provide the police with al the information they require.
Assess the situation as thoroughly as possible. Using a pen and notepad, take down all vital information: The names of all drivers involved, their addresses, insurance policy numbers, makes/models and register plate numbers of cars; all witnesses with their names and addresses; investigating police officers’ names and the station addresses.
Take pictures of the scene with a camera or sketch a simple diagram. Questions about the accident can arise weeks, months or even years after it happens. Taking down as much information as possible will help you remember exactly what happened.
Do not admit fault. You should not admit liability under any circumstances. Turn the facts over to the insurance company and let them decide who is liable for payment.
Do not discuss specifics of the accident with others involved. If there is a dispute over who is at fault, further discussions may just muddy the waters. Also avoid telling others how much insurance you carry. Contact your agent or insurance company as soon as possible. Some companies have strict filing procedures that must be followed accordingly for proper compensation. Keep all the necessary evidences for indemnity proceeding. Only when you have the evidences you may proceed with your claim against the responsible party (or their insurers) either by yourself, via your lawyer or us. Copy all documentation you receive regarding the accident for your records before submitting them.