by Graham McKenzie

All drivers get involved in some type of car accident at least once. Therefore It is very necessary to be acquainted with the basics of providing your information to the other driver so that they know how to later get in touch with you. Although, the accident is small, you must not simply drive away, else it might be called a ?hit and run?. It might be possible that you knock an empty car but even then it is essential to exchange your information with the owner or driver of the car so that they ay contact you. In a serious accident, your first objective should be to ask someone to call at 911.

The first step, which most people forget, is to not admit fault. Even if the car accident was your fault it is not wise to admit it to the other driver. If it is later found out that the accident wasn?t your fault, you may still be forced to pay for the damages because you said it was. Try to be calm and handle the situation in an orderly fashion so everyone involved can get back to what they were doing.

Exchange insurance information immediately with the driver of the other car, or cars. Make sure names, phone numbers, and addresses are included so you can get a hold of each other. This is why it is so important to bring proof of your insurance with you in your car. If you don?t have it with you, you might just have to give it to them later.

If both parties involved in accident are ready to wait then you can make a call to your insurance company and ask your claims representative to come and evaluate the damage caused. At times, this may not be possible, but you should always call your claims representative as soon as you can. The representative will take some pictures of the accident spot and damages while you are around; get your claims form filled, speak to the other people involved in the crash, and may be also talk to those who saw the accident.

You must also click pictures at the spot and nearby areas before the mess is cleared and vehicles are removed. These days it?s become very easy as most people have mobile phone cameras. So, take enough pictures which may help describe the accident scene.

You are mostly free to go after you have informed your claims representative, clicked photos, and swapped information. A police officer must have also arrived by now to inspect the situation, get the mess sorted and have tow trucks take your vehicles. The tow trucks may not be required when the accident is of a light nature. After all this, it may take some weeks or a month till your receive your claim check by mail. So, the entire initial repair costs have to be borne by you.

The fund you receive is decided by the lowest fixing quote provided to the insurance company. If they total your car then you will get the ?blue book value? for your vehicle. The ?blue book value? is your car?s standard price set after taking into account the age, state, and model of the car. If you had made any alterations in your car, then you will not be paid for that.

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