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Car Accident
Now What?
Taking the time now to review the steps you should follow after an
auto accident can help reduce anxiety and avoid costly and
time-consuming mistakes.
The experts at the Better Business Bureau offer the following tips.
Always carry your insurance card and policy number.
Notify the police. Get the officer's name and badge number and the
address and phone number of the police station. Ask when the
accident report will be filed and how to obtain it.
Review your insurance filing procedures; store a copy in your glove
compartment.
Notify your insurance company quickly even if you're far from home
and didn't cause the accident. Ask your agent how to proceed. Be
familiar with your insurance company's policy regarding qualified
repair shops.
Get the name of the other driver, his address, phone numbers;
license plate; insurance company name and policy number and the
telephone number of his insurance agent. Obtain names and addresses
of passengers and witnesses.
Make notes describing the accident, vehicles, their speeds, the
setting, weather, traffic signs and signals, and road conditions.
Take photographs or draw simple diagrams.
Don't make oral or written statements about responsibility or blame
and don't say how much liability insurance you carry. Don't discuss
the accident with other drivers, witnesses or passengers.
Don't accept offers to settle on the spot without thinking about it
carefully. You may be held liable later for the same damages.
(SPM Wire)
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