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What should I do if I'm involved in a accident? The first priority is the condition of those involved. Call for medical help if anyone at the scene is injured. Notify the police as soon as possible. Obtain the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of all persons involved, including passengers and witnesses, and the license plate numbers of all other cars involved. It's best not to admit an accident was your fault, even if you think it was. A simple apology can be constructed as an admission of fault. Let the authorities determine who was responsible. Auto accidents can be disorienting even if you are not physically injured. You may not be aware of all factors leading up to the crash, so state only what you know about what happened. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible, even if damages were minor.
What does it mean when a car is "totaled"?
After an
accident or theft recovery, if the insurance company decides your car is
"totaled" it means the estimate of the car exceeds the car's value. At
the point, the insurance company will likely send you a check for your
car's value. They will keep your car unless you make arrangements to buy
it back "as is".
What should I do if another driver hits my car?
If you were
not at fault in the accident, you will make a third-party claim to the
at-fault drivers insurance company. Because you are the claimant, the
insurance company typically will issue the check directly to you. It's
your responsibility to pay the repair shop, and the lender if you have a
car loan. If the other driver doesn't have insurance, your uninsured
motorist coverage will take effect |
