AGIS Insurance Center - What to do if involved in an Accident

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What to do in case of an accident

NEW YORK, May, 16, 2005 -- No one likes to think that they may be involved in an auto accident, but knowing what to do after a crash can save lives, reduce injuries and make the entire claims process much easier, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).

There are over 6.3 million auto crashes each year, resulting in an injury every 11 seconds, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

If you are in an auto accident, there are four things to remember to do:
Jeanne M. Salvatore, consumer spokesperson for the I.I.I. says "Stop your car, see if anyone is hurt, assess the damage and then get as much information as possible about the accident."
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At the scene of an accident:
The I.I.I. recommends that you find out if anyone is injured. Call the police or highway patrol and let them know how many people were hurt and the extent of their injuries. The police will then notify the nearest medical unit. Avoid moving a severely injured person, unless they are in danger of getting hit by traffic. Try to calm the person and keep them warm by covering them with a blanket or jacket until help arrives.
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Protect the accident scene.
Take reasonable steps to protect your car from further damage by setting up flares, getting the car off the road and calling a tow truck.
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Collect as much information as possible.
Everyone should keep a pad of paper and a pencil in the glove department of their car. You may also want to keep a disposable camera to take pictures of any damage done to the vehicles. Make sure you get the following information: - Names, addresses and phone numbers of all drivers and passengers involved in the accident, license plate numbers, make and model of each car, driver's license numbers and insurance information. - Names, addresses and phone numbers of any witnesses. - Names, badge numbers and contact information of police, highway patrol or other emergency personnel at the scene. Remember to ask where you can obtain a copy of the police report. Make note of the date, time, location and other relevant information such as driving conditions.
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To file an auto insurance claim, the I.I.I. suggests:
Get in touch with your insurer as soon as possible, regardless of who is at fault. Find out what forms or documents you will need to support your claim. In most cases, your insurer will require you to fill out a "proof of claim" form. If there is a police report, provide this to your insurer. Many insurers have the technology that allows you to monitor the progress of your claim on their website. When speaking with your insurer, get the names and phone numbers of everyone you speak with throughout the claims process and keep copies of any bills or documents you supply to your insurer. Each state has its own laws governing the claims process and you have rights and obligations under these laws. If you have any questions regarding your claim, contact your insurance agent or company representative
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Some auto accidents have been orchestrated by insurance fraud criminals.
"If you feel that the accident was a set-up, don't confront the other driver or passengers," says Salvatore. "They can be dangerous people. Instead, tell law enforcement or your insurance company about your suspicions and let them investigate the situation." The National Insurance Crime bureau has information on staged accidents on its website at www.nicb.org. If you suspect insurance fraud, you can also call their toll free number, 1-800-TEL-NICB
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AGIS Insurance Center, Inc.
165 Bishops Way Suite 120
Brookfield, WI 53005
Phone: 262-641-9800
Email:AGIS.HOME@agisins.com

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Monday - Friday 8:30am to 5:00 pm CST
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