First and foremost, determine whether anyone has been hurt and seek prompt medical attention for those with injuries.
Once it has been determined no one has been seriously hurt, remove the car from the roadway if it is creating a hazardous condition. Abandon a burning car immediately.
Exchange information (name, address, registration, insurance, etc.) with the other driver, including daytime and evening telephone numbers. If possible, get the other driver’s insurance policy number. In the case of a third party claim this may be helpful in filing.
If it is unclear who caused the accident, don’t attempt to argue with the other party regarding who was at fault. File a claim under your collision coverage, after which your insurance company will resolve the dispute in a process known as subrogation. If your insurance company determines the accident to be the other party’s fault, your deductible will be refunded.
If another party is clearly at fault, such as in the case of a rear-end collision, you are entitled to submit a claim to their insurance company. This is known as a third party loss, in which case the insurance company must pay 100% of the repairs to your car and provide an alternate means of transportation while yours is getting fixed. A claimant is not responsible for a deductible in a third party loss.
Do not drive a car from the scene of an accident if it is leaking fluids, making strange sounds, or there is any interference with the operation of wheels and tires. If you are in doubt as to the operating condition of your car, request a tow truck or flatbed car carrier. Your insurance company will pay for the towing. If you intend to drive your car from the scene of a front-end collision, do not try to open your hood afterwards because it may be difficult to refasten it securely.
If the possibility of a dispute over fault or negligence exists, get names and addresses from possible witnesses.
You may select any shop you wish to make the necessary repairs to your vehicle.
If you need to be towed, you can still choose your repair shop. No one can force you to use a particular shop.
You are not required by law to get more than one estimate unless specifically stated in your insurance policy.
Remember there is a big difference between repair shops, but more importantly there is a big difference in how a repair is done. Improper repairs can dramatically affect the value of your vehicle as well as the safety of that vehicle to you and your passengers.
First and foremost, determine whether anyone has been hurt and seek prompt medical attention for those with injuries.
