Three key steps after a car accident

Three key steps after a car accident. In Florida, there are around 200,000 car accidents annually. According to these statistics, it is very likely that you will be involved in a road incident at some point in your life. The question that arises is, what steps should you take after the accident?

Legally, you can file an insurance claim without a police report if it is a minor accident. In other words, if it is a small collision with another car where no one is injured and there are no significant material damages. However, the police report can still be useful.

• Report the accident

If the damages from the accident exceed $500, or if someone dies or is injured, if you suspect the other driver is under the influence of alcohol, or if the vehicles are in such a state that a tow truck is needed to move them, the law requires you to call 911, provide the location, and explain if medical assistance is needed. Make the police report.

• Gather information

In such circumstances, try to write down the license plate numbers of the vehicles involved and, if possible, take some pictures of the accident. Do not argue with the other person; try to be supportive, offer any assistance needed, and exchange personal information: name, address, and most importantly, insurance details.

• Contact your insurance company

The next step is to contact your insurance company. If you have any questions about the coverage benefits, it is advisable to call them from the scene of the accident. Remember that in order to obtain the coverage benefits from your policy, you must report the incident within a reasonable time period, as specified in your contract, otherwise, the company may deny coverage.

An additional piece of advice, if the accident is very minor, no one is injured, and the cost of repairing your car is equal to or lower than your deductible, you may not be interested in filing an insurance claim. In these circumstances, you will end up paying the entire deductible, and it is likely that your monthly premium will increase after filing the claim. Three key steps after a car accident.

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