We are aware of how hard it is to keep calm after an accident. Coping with the traumatizing thoughts of damages on your car and injuries you could have suffered is easier said than done. But amid all that, accept the reality and work on settling the issue with the other parties.
Now, do you know what steps you should take in such a situation? Well, our post seeks to enlighten you about that. Let’s dive right in.
Make a Call to the Police Station
Dial 9-1-1 to reach out to the police for assistance. Direct them on where it happened, severity, and any other questions they may need.
Don’t Struggle Alone—Contact Your Claims Adjuster
The last thing you want is missing out on your compensation simply because of a mistake you made at the scene. The insurance claims agents task will be showing you the process—what to do and what to expect.
Compile all Details
In an accident, what you observe could be the direct opposite of what the other party reports. And that could either be out of self-defense or dishonesty. Whichever the reason, it is your responsibility to defend your side of the story with concrete evidence.
Here’s what you need to focus on:
· Sharing Details With the Other Parties
Regardless of the number of cars involved, it is good to exchange your details. And by exchanging, we mean all parties must be involved—including you. Remember, each one of you will have to present the details to your insurance companies for compensation.
Therefore, be sure to get the other driver(s) and passenger(s) phone numbers, if any. Confirm whether they are the real car owners and whether they have a driving license. If so, note it down, and if they do not have one, be sure to collect the owners contact details. Get also their phone numbers and home addresses, if possible.
· Photo or Video Recording
Go around the scene and take photos of everything that can be visual evidence. Don’t be shy even when there is a large multitude—your claim is way above that. Such evidence could include skid marks, smashed parts of the car, physical injuries on your body, or any other individual, etc.
But note that sometimes the police will suspend the use of cameras to safeguard their evidence and findings. So be sure not to break that.
· Actual Writing on a Book or Paper
Note briefly anything that happens at the scene, and you doubt you may not retain it for long. Later on, when you have relaxed, you can use the points to connect ideas and write a convincing statement to present to your insurer.
Keep Off Conversations
Even if you have a high emotional intelligence, note that the other party may be the opposite. Provoking them a little bit can result in severe chaos. Therefore, choose silence because it cannot be mistaken. But don’t say sorry, lest they misunderstand you.
Be Keen to Assist the Police
In case you notice the police struggling to do something, and you can help, ask their permission to assist. If allowed, do it passionately—it speaks well of you. Also, be courteous and wise enough not to admit fault in the conversation.
Let our Minnesota Agents Help You!
Perhaps the process we have outlined here is quite simple to follow. But note how you apply it primarily depends on the condition of your case. And that’s why you need an agent to examine your case and decide on the best practices that will help in getting you compensated.
So, why not connect with our Krog Insurance agents for expert-level advice? Reach out to our offices in St Paul on 651-747-7824 and Virginia, Minnesota, on 218-749-4225.