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We're talking about vehicle damage claims here, NOT auto accidents that involve serious injuries.
Think of it as a HOW TO on navigating the aftermath of an auto collision and what info is important to collect.
The more you know the more likely it'll go smoothly.
"I'm sorry I hit you. I've had a long day of filming Old Navy commercials."
1. IF POSSIBLE....PULL OVER.
If nobody is hurt, move your cars out of the road. Use your smart phone to take a couple photos of the position of the vehicles and pull them out of the middle of the road. It's super dangerous to make others avoid you, and that'll be the first thing the police suggest.
2. KEEP IT TOGETHER.
Even if you're FURIOUS at the other driver...escalating things with someone you don't know is a terrible idea. There is no circumstance where this will help you, and MANY circumstances where it makes things MUCH worse.
Both of you are inconvenienced and you're now in it together...so don't play the blame game. Just get what the info you need and get out of there. 3. USE YOUR PHONE.
Snap a few photos instead of handwriting everything on an old Wendy's bag from your car floor. You'd be surprised how often people write down the wrong policy number/details when they're in this situation. Preserve the data with actual photos of the originals...PLUS it's much quicker.
The below will give you everything you need:
4. CAN YOU GET A WITNESS?
90% of the time this 'witness' will not be required...but in that 10% of the time when you need them, WOW can they be a difference maker.
A couple points on how Physical Damage claims work:
1. Adjusters determine who is 'at fault' in an accident, usually by taking 'statements' from each driver. (Basically asking them both what happened.)
2. If both drivers have 'conflicting statements' this can lead to a dispute about who is really at fault.
3. Passengers inside vehicles involved DO NOT COUNT AS WITNESSES, so having a stranger who saw it all happen can be a tie-breaker.
Often the 'at fault' party feels bad and willingly provides the factual details of what happened....but NOT ALWAYS.
Allow me to paint a picture.
Driver 1 is sitting in his car inside a parking stall at the local grocery store sending text messages because people do that.
Driver 2 is navigating the parking lot in search of a parking spot so they can go inside and buy a truckload of Chicago Mix Popcorn because it's delicious. Driver 1 is done sending their texts and is ready to finally leave. They cut the wheel and back out of their spot and bump right into the front of Driver 2's vehicle. Damage Overview: Driver 1's back bumper and Driver 2's front bumper. Driver 2's LOSES THEIR MIND on Driver 1 because they've not read this blog post about 'KEEPING IT TOGETHER' and the inevitable delay on the Chicago Mix is setting in. Driver 1 has gone from feeling bad, to wanting to do it again. After they exchange information and leave, they decide their recollection of the events was that they pulled out, and started driving away when Driver 2 RAN INTO HIM.
The damages support both versions of events and without an independent witness, or video proof....it could end up with both drivers being held 50% at fault.
Fictional story, but totally possible.
MORAL OF THE STORY?
FIND A WITNESS IF YOU'RE IN AN ACCIDENT. OFFER TO BE A WITNESS IF YOU SEE AN ACCIDENT.
What if Driver 2 were alert enough to find someone else who saw it all happen?
Grab their info, and go get that Chicago Mix so the trip wasn't a total waste. MD
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