A car accident can be easily one of the most stressful situations a person can experience. Even a minor accident, can still be a very jarring event. If you are involved in a car accident, there are some important things you should do to protect your rights , ensure safety and deal with Auto insurance company.
As an auto insurance broker in Toronto, we want to make sure that you know what to do if you are in an accident.
Check for injuries
The first thing to do in a car accident is to check for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Once the police and ambulance have arrived, they will take over the situation.
Move your car to the side of the road
Stop your car. If the accident is minor, you can drive your car to the side of the road. However, if the accident is severe, you should not move your car until the police arrive. This is because moving your car could cause more damage and injuries.
Get the other driver’s information
You will need to exchange information with the other driver. This includes their name, address, phone number, and insurance information. You should also get the make, model,, license plate number and their auto insurance broker of their car. If any passengers were injured, you should also collect their contact information.
Document the accident
It is important to document everything on scene after a car accident.
This includes taking photos of the damage to both cars and exchanging insurance information with the other driver.
If there are witnesses, try to get them on record as well.
Contact the police
If the accident is serious, and injuries occured, you should call the police. The police will come to the scene of the accident and file a report. They will also be able to help direct traffic if needed. Police may not respond in a minor incident, but it is always a good idea to err on the side of caution.
Avoid any discussions of fault for the accident
As your auto insurance broker, we recommend our clients to avoid any discussion of who was at fault after the accident. This can be used against you later on and may not be accurate. The best thing to do is to let the police sort out who was at fault.
Contact a tow truck
If your car is not able to be driven after the accident, you will need to call a tow truck. A tow truck will bring your vehicle a nearby garage where it can be fixed.
Contact your insurance company
Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible after an accident. They will help you file a claim and get the repairs for your car started.
Do not be tempted to take a cash settlement from the other driver.
Always work with your insurance company to get the repairs started.
Can help you pick a vehicle on a budget
If you aren’t sure what vehicle is right for you or your budget, a dealer can also be a great source of advice. Their sales staff are usually very knowledgeable about the different models they have on offer and can help find you the perfect car for your needs.
If you follow these steps after a car accident, you can ensure that your safety and rights are protected.
For more information on car accidents and how to deal with them, speak to our trusted insurance brokers in Toronto today.