Automobile/Motorcycle Accident Checklist (Most Important Items)
Name and address
License plate number
Make, model, and year of car
Driver's license number
Make note if it appeared the driver had been drinking.
Note and try to write down everything the other driver said.
Names and addresses of passengers in other cars
Try to find people in the vicinity who may have seen the accident and ask for their name and phone number.
Before moving any of the vehicle(s) involved in the accident, try to write down the following:
Position of your vehicle
Position of any other vehicles
Location of any tire marks, vehicle parts, glass, and other debris caused by the accident that is in the vicinity
Location of point of impact
Road conditions
Traffic conditions
Weather conditions
If you have a camera, take pictures of the site of the collisions, and the vehicles involved... It would be extremely beneficial to you to carry a disposable camera with a flash in your car at all times, so that if you are in an accident you can accurately document the incident.
After you move your vehicle write down the following:
Date and time of accident
Location of accident
Speed of your car just before the accident
Direction of your car and other cars)involved in the accident
If either car was turning
If the car turning have its turn signal on
Were headlights turned on in both vehicles (if it is night)
Did you know . . .
You have the right to choose your repair shop. Your insurance company cannot require you to go to a particular repair facility.
You should choose a repair shop that has “state-of-the-art” equipment and certified technicians (I-CAR and ASE).
Some insurance companies request that you visit their drive- in claims center before having your car repaired. Whether you choose to do so is your choice. You may prefer to leave your car at your collision repair shop and request that the insurance company send an appraiser to that facility.
There is no legal requirement that you obtain more than one estimate for your vehicle repairs.
Differences in shop repair estimates and insurance estimates are common. A lower estimate may not include all necessary work or updated parts prices. If you are unsure why one estimate is different from another, feel free to ask your customer service representative at your repair shop.
Verify that your repair shop will be using original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts.
Use a repair shop that offers a written warranty.
Your collision repair shop should negotiate your claim on your behalf with the insurance company.
If your car is unsafe to drive, do not drive it. If you are unsure, check with your repair facility.
Your car is one of your largest investments. Preserve its value and your safety by having it repaired professionally.
Web Master: J. Brummel Please report problems or send questions to: mbrummel@mokancomm.net
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