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If you are in an Accident

If you are in an Accident

car accident

What to do if you are in a car accident:

We did a little research and put together some information on what you should know if you are ever in a car accident. We at pedalsandpumps.com sincerely hope that no one needs to use this page, but since that is unrealistic, this information is here to help you if you need it:

1. Stay Safe: Your number one priority when you have been in a car accident is everyone’s safety. If you have any question that someone maybe hurt, CALL 911. It is always better to be sure when it comes to keeping you and your loved ones safe. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location where you can get the necessary information from the other driver. Even if you do not need medical assistance, you will still need to contact the police.

2. Check Your Essential Items:  (Here’s the list if you need it.) The items that you might need in a pinch should be in your essential items car kit to help you if you need some minor care or are waiting for emergency services to arrive. You will definitely need: paper, a pen, your license, insurance and registration. A camera might come in handy too. You might want to print this list and keep a copy of it in your car, just in case, you may not be as clear-headed if you are in a car accident.

3. Stay Calm:  Before you get out of the car, breathe! It is okay. These things happen and the next steps will go a lot more smoothly if you can keep your cool. Even if the other guy is a total hot head, running around and flaring his arms, the best thing that you can do is to focus on what is important, that everyone is SAFE. If you are dealing with an overly aggressive driver, it is okay to keep your distance until the other party has calmed down. Again, your safety is the most important thing.

4. Get the Right Information:  It is all about who you know right? Well the same is true if you are in a car accident. Get to know the people around you.

* You will need the following information from everyone in the other vehicle(s) and at least one eyewitness:

• Name

• Address (including email)

• Phone Number

* You will also need the following information from any other drivers about any vehicles involved in the accident:

• Year, make, and model of the vehicle

• License plate number

• Insurance carrier

• Insurance policy number

* If the police are at the scene of the car accident, you should get the following information from the reporting officer.

• Name

• Phone number

• Police report number

5. Document, Document, Document: Take pictures, pull out your smart phone and start snapping away. Having ample information about your car accident is key. Chances are things are going to get a lot less clear with time, you will not regret having notes and snapshots if you need them in the future.

6. Notify: Many areas require you to file an accident report even if the police do not report to the scene of the car accident. To protect yourself, you should always make a call in to your local enforcement. You will also need to notify your insurance company of the accident. If your car needs work, be aware of what your insurance covers before you decide where to take your car. For example, if you need to have your car towed to a mechanic, you want to be sure that mechanic is covered under your insurance, so you don’t get stuck having to pay the tow truck to take your car somewhere else.

7. Things You Should Know: We found just a few more tips that we thought would benefit you.

* Don’t sign anything unless it is for the police or your insurance company.  You do not need to commit yourself to the other driver, even if you feel guilty about the car accident.

* Stay at the scene until the police and the other driver leave, splitting early will not help your cause.

* Be polite, stick to the facts, focus on safety and don’t admit fault, even if you think you were the cause of the accident.

About The Author

Pedals and Pumps

PedalsandPumps provides direct, honest information about car maintenance and repair. We provide money and time saving tips for readers who want to maximize their dollar and simplify their auto owning experience.

TIP:

If you have lost a cap on your tire inflation valve, mention it at your next oil change and the technician will probably replace it for your for free. More ways to tell if you have a tire pressure issue.

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