“Being in a car accident is an unnerving experience so it’s easy to lose focus in the moments afterward,” says Tim Bzowey, vice president, Home and Auto, RBC Insurance. “However, if prepared, drivers can avoid making harmful and expensive decisions immediately following a collision.”
Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re ever in a car accident:
Do:
Stay calm, keep yourself and others safe, if you can’t get out of your car turn on your hazard lights, if anyone is injured call 911.
Call your insurance company right away, let a trained insurance professional handle all the details for you.
Exchange information with the other drivers involved, such as their names, addresses, phone numbers, license information, insurance company and policy number.
Obtain the contact information of any witnesses who are at the scene.
Take photographs of the accident, such as car damage and road conditions.
Don’t:
Move anyone who is injured. You should wait for medical help to arrive.
Leave the scene of the accident.
Accept a direct offer of payment of damage from the other driver. Settling for direct payment may not be as advantageous as it seems. If you’re not at fault, the accident won’t affect your driving record nor will you have to pay a deductible.
Sign any documents other than the police report.
Authorize repairs immediately. Your insurance adjuster may refer you to a repair facility where the repair comes with a guarantee.
For more information, visit http://www.rbcinsurance.com.