Driverknowledge.com reports, an average of 6 million car accidents occur every year. While car crashes are common, it does not diminish the stress they cause. “Being involved in an accident, even if it is minor is extremely stressful,” says Dustyn Shroff, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent auto insurance agency.
Knowing what to do in the case of a car crash can make the incident less stressful. Below are steps to take if you are involved in an accident.
Stop, even if it is a minor incident, do not leave the scene,
you could be subject to criminal charges.
Check to see if the passengers in your car and any others
involved are ok, or do you need medical assistance? Even if someone feels dizzy,
it is good to call an ambulance. If someone is hurt, do not move them.
Move to a safe area if possible, a shoulder, sidewalk, side street or parking lot. Put your car in park, turn off the engine and put on your hazards. Place triangles or flares out if necessary, to warn other drivers.
Call police to the scene. AAA recommends calling the police, no matter what either party says and filing a police report. If the police do not come to the scene, you can file a report by visiting a local police station. A police report can be invaluable to the claim process and help establish who is at fault.
Gather information, be sure to get:
Drivers
and passengers’ names and contact information
Vehicle
descriptions- make, model, year
Driver’s
license numbers and license plate numbers
Insurance
companies and policy numbers
Eyewitness
name and contact information
Accident
scene location and/ or address
Police
officer’s name and badge number
Document the scene with photos
“Even if you forgot information or feel like you said the
wrong thing, don’t worry, just try and stay calm,” says Dustyn Shroff, Vice President
of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s
top independent auto
insurance agency.
Contact your insurance provider and file a claim.
GreatFlorida Insurance is there for you even in the most stressful of times. If you are looking for dependable auto insurance, contact us today.
