car accident

Being involved in a car accident can leave you feeling shaken. In order to get your vehicle repaired and get treatment for your injuries covered, you should take these important steps in the moments immediately after a collision.

Call 911

You should notify the authorities of the accident, even if it seems minor. The damage to one or both vehicles may be more serious than it initially appears. Even if you, your passengers, and the other driver feel fine in the moments right after the accident, you may begin to experience symptoms of whiplash or other medical problems in the coming hours or days.

A police officer will respond to the scene of the accident and file a report. That will be crucial in helping you get an insurance claim processed. Ask the officer when the report will be available and how you can obtain a copy. 

Contact Your Insurance Company

Get in touch with your auto insurance carrier as soon as possible after the accident to get the claims process started. A representative can tell you what you need to do to get any damage and/or medical bills covered. 

The insurance company will need to obtain a copy of the police report and may also request other documentation, such as photos of your vehicle and the other driver’s car, as well as photos of the area where the accident occurred. If you contact your insurer while you’re still at the scene of the crash, you’ll be able to gather all the information and documentation the company needs to speed up the claims process.

Don’t Admit Fault

If you discuss what happened with the other driver, don’t accept responsibility for the accident. The police officer who responds to the scene will speak with you, the other driver, and any witnesses and will look at the damage to the vehicles and file a report. An insurance adjuster will review the police report and other evidence when processing your claim. Let those parties review all pertinent information and figure out who is at fault for the crash. 

Make Sure You Have the Right Auto Insurance Coverage

You should review your car insurance policy at least once a year to make sure you have the right types and amounts of coverage. It’s also wise to compare rates periodically to avoid paying too much. A member of the team at Petruzelo Insurance can discuss your coverage and help you find a policy that suits your needs and budget. Contact us today to get quotes from several leading insurers.