Car accidents are an anxiety-provoking event; however, the more prepared you are, the better. Sometimes, knowing what to do in case of an emergency can save you time and money later on. It may also provide you with peace of mind when it matters the most. Roadway Insurance provides simple steps for Maryland drivers to take immediately following a car accident. Learn more below:
Call 911
No matter how minor the damages are, you should call the police to report a car accident. A police officer will help assess any injuries or damages and ensure that they are addressed appropriately. Having an official police report will be helpful later on when reporting the car accident to your insurance company. Never admit fault to a car accident as determining fault is the job of the police officers as well as your insurance company. The most important thing to remember immediately following a car accident is that you and your passenger’s safety matters the most. If there are no injuries, you should proceed to the next steps.
Collect Evidence
While the police will document what they see at the scene of a crime, it’s important to collect your own evidence to have just in case your insurance company has questions. Take photos of any damages. Additionally, if you can grab a photo of the positioning of vehicles before moving them to the side of the road, this will help paint a broader picture in determining who is at fault. Make sure to exchange information with the other drivers involved such as names, addresses, phone numbers, license plate numbers, driver’s license numbers, and the make and model of all cars. It’s important to ensure that you are not interfering with police activity while gathering evidence. Additionally, remember that if you are not able to safely take photos of the scene, you should avoid doing so. Safety first!
Contact Your Insurance Company
Once you return home, you should contact your car insurance company as soon as possible. Be prepared to answer questions like:
- When did the accident occur?
- What is the year, make, and model of the vehicle you were driving?
- Were there any other vehicles involved?
- What damage was done to your vehicle?
- Is your vehicle in need of repairs?
- Was there a police report?
This is when all of the information that you collected at the scene of the accident will come in handy. A claims adjuster will evaluate your situation and help you to find a Maryland Auto Insurance Collision Damage Assessment Center to get an official auto repair quote. To submit a claim call 800-492-7114.