Believe it or not, there is a strong possibility that either you or a member of your family will eventually be in some form of accident ranging from a small "fender bender" to a major accident involving personnel injury. Regardless of the magnitude, drivers are often shaken up and caught off guard. The big question is "what do I do now that the worst has happened?". 

The Independent Insurance Agents of America, Offers brochures that contain helpful tips so you know what to do.  

In addition to these brochures, the following are general guidelines to assist you:

Do Not Leave The Scene Under any Circumstances 

Seek police assistance immediately to report the accident. Do not assume a small accident is not worth reporting. Sometimes the extent of personal injury and vehicle damage is not immediately known.

Seek medical assistance if needed. Let the police know if your vehicle is no longer drivable.

Use any means possible to Warn other motorists. (vehicle's flashers, flairs, reflective devices). Raising the hood of your car is often a signal to other motorist that you are experiencing trouble. 

If you are disabled on the interstate, you are in great peril of being hit by another motorist. While there are no guarantees on your personal safety, seeking safety on the side of the road is preferred over staying in your car.

Do not accept responsibility for the accident and only discuss details of the accident with the  police authorities, your independent insurance agent and your insurance company. 

Some companies attempt to settle claims on the roadside. While this appears to be a convenience to the victim of the accident, companies do this to settle claims quickly before the full cost of the accident is known. Remember, know the full cost of your damages before you sign any settlement. Do not give in to any intimidation or pressure to settle the claim.   

Use the time waiting for the police to arrive to exchange claim specific information (i.e. Driver License number , name , policy number , ... etc.). This will help keep the other party busy and less confrontational while you are waiting for the police to arrive. Never resort to violence, It can only make matters worst. 

Remain calm and courteous.

Exchange Information With The Other Driver

Write down driver's license number, license plate number, and state. Get the insurance company name and policy number plus make, model, year and description of vehicle. Lastly, record the name, address and telephone numbers of the driver.

Write down the name and address of all passengers, injured persons or anyone with property damage.

Get the name and contact information for at least two witnesses if possible. This is very important when the fault of an accident is questionable.

Diagram The Accident Before Leaving The Scene

Note the condition under which you were driving  (example:  rush hour, dark, wet, icy, dry).

Show the position of all vehicles before and after the accident--plus location of signs, streets and medians.

Note all apparent damage to any vehicle vehicles involved in the accident.

Write down any details you feel are important

Date:
Time:
Location:
Weather and Road Conditions:
Emergency Phone Numbers:
Police:
Fire:
Ambulance:
Your Independent Agent:   Joseph V. White Insurance Agency

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