What To Do if You Are Involved in a Motor Vehicle Wreck

 

If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, even if it appears to be a minor fender bender, there are some steps you should take.

1. Make sure you and any passengers in your vehicle are OK and not injured.
2. Check on any others who were involved in the accident and render help if needed.
3. Call 911 immediately.
4. DO NOT move your vehicle. Regardless of the severity of the accident – a small fender bender, a major collision or two bumpers that rub together – DO NOT MOVE THE VEHICLES regardless of how busy the roadway is.
5. If it is safe to do so, take photos from all four corners of the accident, the point of impact, the damages. When you have taken all of the photos you think are necessary, take more!
6. Get a photo of the other driver’s insurance information and photos or videos of the other driver himself. Is he moving well? Getting in and out of the car easily?
7. Wait for the police to arrive and file a report.

 

What happens if the other driver admits fault?  You think everything is ok and you don’t need a police report. WRONG. You leave the scene with no real evidence and wait for the other driver’s insurance company to contact you.

 

However, the other driver talks to his friends or family and they think he’s not at fault. You get a call a few days later from the insurance company but they are now saying the accident was your fault and the other driver is injured! If you don’t have a police report and have no photos from the scene, it is his word against yours.   Always protect yourself regardless of the situation.

This information gives your insurance company the information they need to fight for you if the need arises.

 

If Morris Insurance Services can help, please contact us.