What To Do If You Are In An Automobile Accident

What To Do If You Are in an Automobile Accident

You're running late and stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic. All of a sudden....CRASH! You've just been rear-ended. You know you need to get the other driver's insurance information...but what else?

Here's a quick checklist of things to do if you're in an accident:

1) Be prepared. Have paper, pen, a disposable camera, plus proof of insurance and your agent's phone number handy in your glove box.

2) Call an ambulance if anyone is hurt and the fire department if you smell gas or see leaking gas.

3) Call the police. It's important to have a police report to back up your claim. If officers come, get names, badge numbers and request a copy of the report.

4) Don't move your vehicle unless it is a hazard to other vehicles. Leaving it in place allows police officers to record the exact position of the vehicles when they crashed. Also, try to take photos if possible.

5) Never admit fault or say anything about who is at fault.

6) Take notes while your memory is fresh. Note the speed of the vehicles involved and how the accident happened.

7) Get personal data from the other party(s) involved including license plate number, year, make and model of all cars. Also, get contact information for their insurance agent, insurance company. Try to obtain names, addresses and phone numbers of any passengers and witnesses.

8) Report the claim to your carrier and agent as soon as possible. Make sure you have your policy number, telephone number, location of accident, name of investigating officer, contact information for other parties involved and where the accident vehicle is located for inspection.

Tips brought to you by Jason Fleming, Career Agent with Farm Bureau Financial Services. For more information on auto, home, life, college and retirement funding products and services, call Jason Fleming at 763-780-6867.

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