What you can do in advance It’s an old cliché’, but true:  You never think it will happen to you. But auto accidents are a common occurrence, and how you handle it affects the outcome greatly. Learn these tips and steps, and share them with those you love, to be better prepared should an accident occur.

Have Good Insurance, Especially Uninsured Motorist

Consider that most vehicles on the road are more than 10 years old, so that means most drivers don’t have collision or comprehensive insurance. Have the BEST POSSIBLE COVERAGE you can afford. A few extra dollars a month can make the difference between getting compensated for losses or not.  Remember that if somebody else strikes your vehicle and causes you injury, you are beholden to their insurance for your recovery.  However, if you keep a high uninsured/underinsured motorist policy, you can feel secure that you will always have sufficient coverage no matter what happens.  Consider an umbrella policy as well.

Review and Amend your Policy

Review your insurance policy carefully. Increase your limits, and add uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if you don’t have it. You can always shop around and compare prices with several insurance companies. Once you do, you might find that you can get more/better coverage for the same price you’ve been paying elsewhere!

Place Accident Instructions in your Vehicle

When you’re in an accident, even minor, it shakes you up. You may not think to get ALL the information from the other driver. Place a note to yourself (a ‘cheat sheet’ if you will) in your glove box…keep it with your driver license and registration. It can list these steps, the first of which is “Always get their name, phone no, address, and insurance info.”

This same instructions note should also remind you to “take pictures of the scene immediately” if you are physically able. Otherwise if you can, ask a passenger or bystander to take them for you. Discreetly get a pic of the other driver’s car and license plate as well as any damage to the vehicles.

Place this on your cheat sheet as well: “Write down all details right away.” Either you or a passenger can do this, but it’s important. Later, your memory may not be as clear. The sooner you write notes down, the better. It’s a good thing to do while waiting for the police to arrive (yes, always call the police). Another good note is “Don’t admit fault or discuss the accident with the other driver.”

Finally, don’t be shy. “Approach witnesses and ask nicely if you can have their name and contact information.”

Stock your Vehicle

Keep a road hazard triangle and/or blinking light in your vehicle. This alerts traffic that there is a stopped vehicle ahead of them. (Try not to move the vehicle unless absolutely necessary). Keep a first aid kit in your vehicle to use for yourself or to render aid to others.

Choose an Injury Attorney

Know in advance who you will call if injured in an accident, and call them promptly. Do not deal with insurance representatives on your own – it’s best left to those who understand these claims and are skilled at dealing with insurance companies. With insurance fraud attorney, Delius & McKenzie have taken on insurance companies countless times, ensuring the best results for our clients.  On numerous occasions we have seen clients who tried to negotiate cases on their own.  Even after attorney’s fees, our clients typically receive well in excess of their original offers of settlement.

We hope you never need this information. . . but if you should be in an accident, you’ll be glad you had it!