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• Stop at once and identify yourself.
• If serious injuries are known, or you are unsure of the
extent of injuries, call 911 immediately and tell them an
ambulance is needed. If you feel you were injured in any
way, it is important to see a Physician as soon as possible.
• Show your drivers license and registration to the other
driver, injured persons and to any police officer.
• Report the accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles
within ten days if property damages are expected to exceed
$1000.00, this is a law.
• Write a complete description of the accident as soon as
possible, small details can and will be forgotten over time.
If possible. take pictures.
• Notify your insurance company, even if the accident
does not appear to entail substantial property damage and
there are no apparent injuries.
• Be aware of the “Appraisal Clause” in your insurance
policy. If the insurance company and the body shop cannot
agree on what the repairs should cost, this could provide a
means for fair settlement.
• Have even minor damage repaired. Dents and rust spots
from unrepaired damage deducts from the resale or trade-in
value of your car.
• Please see Forms for a printable version of
important information you should ask and make a record of,
after an accident. Don’t wait to print it, print it and keep
it in your car, if accidents were predictable then they
would not be called accidents!
Don't
• Do NOT discuss responsibility! Even if you think you
are at fault, do not state that to anyone at the scene.
• Only discuss the circumstances of the accident with the
police and a positively identified representative of your
insurance company.
• Don’t allow your vehicle to be towed to a shop you are
unfamiliar with. Read and understand all papers before you
sign, do not sign an Authorization For Repairs unless you
have decided to have your vehicle repaired by that shop.
Choosing a quality repair shop is an important decision, be
informed and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
• Really look at competing estimates, if a price is lower
it may indicate an incomplete job. Make sure the lowest
estimate includes all necessary work, when some items, (such
as alignments) are overlooked the consequences can be
severe. Exercise your right to choose the repair facility
of your choice.
• You are responsible for having your vehicle repaired
properly, be involved and ask questions. |
