No matter how safe you are behind the steering wheel, auto accidents are sometimes unavoidable. Therefore, for your safety, and for legal and insurance reasons, there is no legitimate reason not to be prepared.
The first action you should immediately take is to place a pad and pen in your glove compartment and keep them there. Leave a disposable camera in the compartment as well. These will enable you to provide invaluable information and evidence.
If you are involved in an accident, do the following:
• Stop your car and get help for the injured.
• Call the police or have someone do it for you.
• Ask the police to get you medical assistance immediately if you are injured.
• Provide the police with all of the information they require. Ask how and where you can obtain a copy of the police report, as you will probably need it.
• Take down detailed information with your pad and pen. This is vital because you will need the names, addresses and phone numbers of all drivers and passengers involved. It is also a must to note car license numbers, and the makes and models of each. Getting the driver’s license and insurance identification numbers of the other operators, and the names and addresses of as many witnesses as possible is essential. It’s a good idea to get the names and badge numbers of the police officers, too.
• Take photos of your vehicle and of the other vehicles involved.
• Search your car and collect all of your belongings. If your car is totaled, you may not have access to it again. Or, even if you do, by the time you realize you left something important in your car, it may be too late.
One more point. We all want to get the lowest rate we can on auto insurance. However, it is also important to make sure you will be serviced well by your insurance company and agent should you be in an accident. If you are involved in an accident, you want your insurance to ease your emotional stress rather than add to it. I guarantee that if you have a good insurance plan and agent who will work hard for you, you will be much happier.
I hope that none of you are ever involved in a car accident. But if you are, it is best to be prepared and know what to do.
Gregg L. Goodman, LUTCF is the CEO of the Gregg L. Goodman Insurance Agency, Inc. He is an agent for Farmers Insurance and provides life, health, homeowners and auto insurance, as well as commercial insurance programs. He can be reached at 661-254-6739.