What to do after an auto accident?

Sometimes when we are involved in an auto accident we are so nervous that we don’t know what to do next. Should you get there information? Take pictures? Here are a few steps to follow after an accident to gather the correct information…

1. TURN OFF your car and, if necessary, move it to a safe place; OUT OF HARM’S WAY. The law requires that you stop at the scene of the accident.

2. Check if everyone and everything is okay, and if necessary, call 911 for medical assistance. 
 
3. ALWAYS Contact the police. By reporting the accident to the police and filing a report, you will help protect yourself from potential liability claims and legal action.  DO NOT take the any parties “word” and try handling the accident between yourselves; you are setting yourself up for a HUGE headache!

(a police report is required for a “hit and run” claim and recommended if injury occurs, or if it is apparent that liability will be disputed. When the officer arrives, obtain his/her name, phone number, and the police report number)

4. If your vehicle is inoperable, call a towing company (or your roadside assistance company, usually provided by your insurance company) to move your vehicle. Don’t forget to jot down their name, address, and phone number of the towing company.

5. As soon as possible, contact your insurance provider to report the accident. (HINT: if it’s not your fault, call the at fault parties insurance company)

Important Information That You Need To Know:

1. Always exchange:

- contact information (name, addresses AND PHONE NUMBERS)

- Year, make, model, license plate number

- Insurance Carrier and policy number for all vehicles involved

2. If there are witnesses, get a statement

3. Take pictures of the damages to every vehicle, injured drivers and/or bystanders and the accident scene as a whole, if possible

4. Give details of the accident and cooperate with the police in providing answers to their questions. DO NOT ADMIT FAULT OR DICUSS THE DETAILS OF THE ACCIDENT WITH ANYONE OTHER THAN THE POLICE OR YOUR INSURANCE REPRESENATIVE.

Call your agent and ask them to provide you with an “Accident Report Form” to keep in your glove compartment to help expedite the claims process and report filing.

If you have any questions or if you want some more information about the procedures you can take click on the links below….

http://www.mapfrefl.com/Claims/claims/_KUUQYwouVXOPATe5U2M77g

http://www.flhsmv.gov/fhp/misc/CrashReport/