Preparing For Unexpected Auto Accident
No one expects to be in a car accident, but there are certain things you can do whenever you get in the car to make sure if the unexpected does happen – you are prepared. ALWAYS wear your seat belt. Wearing a seat belt reduces a front seat occupant’s risk of fatal injury by 45% and a moderate to critical injury by 50%. Also, it’s important to make sure you have proof of insurance and your driver’s license with you at all times – without them you can receive a large fine even if the accident isn’t your fault. Make sure you have a camera, while most phones have cameras on them if yours does not, simply buy a disposable camera and keep it in the glove compartment. If an accident does occur, you’ll want make sure you get photos of not only your damage, but the other vehicle’s damage as well. While you’re taking photos, ask to snap a photo of the other person’s driver’s license, tags and insurance card. Many times people at the scene of an accident are nervous and insurance claim numbers can be written down incorrectly or incompletely, having a photo of this information avoids any confusion later on.
Speaking of writing down information, keep a pen and paper in the glove compartment as well. If your phone dies or your camera fails, you’ll still be able to write down key information. Even if a police officer responds to the scene and tells you that all the information you’re requesting will be on a police report – GET THE INFORMATION ANYWAY. Often police reports can take weeks to be ready, delaying the process of getting the at fault vehicle’s insurance company to accept liability.
The clients I am able to help get in a rental car and get their cars repaired most quickly, are those who have all of this information ready when they call our office.
Finally, speaking of our office, make sure to keep at least one card from The Law Office of Marc J Atas in your glove compartment. The sooner you call us, the sooner we can get your claim open and take all the steps necessary to get you back on your feet and g et your car back on the road.
If you have any questions give us a call at The Law Office of Marc J Atas – 410-752-4878.
