What To Do When A Car Accident Is Your Fault
A car accident is a scary situation because of the uncertainty a driver faces. You’ve just accidentally damaged someone else’s property and may have caused physical harm. In those immediate moments afterwards, a million thoughts are racing through your head, most of which are focused on the possible financial strain this accident may put on your current financial situation, as well as the increase in car insurance rates you will surely face in the future.
Unfortunately, when you eventually decide to shop for car insurance quotes, it is likely that you will have to disclose the accident during the quote process. However, MyCarInsuranceRates.com can provide you a number of ways to get discount car insurance to offset the higher rates, while helping you compare car insurance companies to make sure you get the cheapest car insurance possible.
At The Accident Scene
If you are not injured, help others by evaluating their medical needs, calling the police, and an ambulance if need be. If you are injured and can’t move, remain in your vehicle until medical attention arrives, unless you feel you can safely get out or your automobile is on fire.
Once on the scene, the police will investigate the accident and eventually submit an official police report. Provide the officers with the information they ask for, such as license, registration, insurance information, and your honest account of the accident to allow the police determine who bears fault for the accident, damages, and medical liability.
If you receive a citation for wrong-doing, this may skew blame towards you, and you may need to disclose this citation in the future when securing car insurance quotes.
Report The Accident
Contact your auto insurance company, and report the car accident. You will need to submit a new claim, which includes explaining your account of what happened and the steps that were taken after it occurred. The quicker you take care of initiating the claim, the more efficiently your claim will be processed. The car insurance company may record this conversation for reference and evidence.
Minor fender benders with limited damage do not involve much investigation, especially if no medical injuries are reported and liability against you is straightforward. Because you have accident fault, the only available coverage for your vehicle repairs is collision coverage, if this coverage protection was purchased. Arrange for an estimate from the insurance company as well as a garage or mechanic to see how much the repairs will cost after your deductible is applied.
Possible Legal Action
Sometimes, medical injuries occur from a car accident, and will be a part of the claim. The injured victim, in addition to a claim for vehicle damage, may file a bodily injury claim against your liability coverage. Your car insurance company handles the investigation and evaluation of the personal injury claim and sometimes, these claims can end up in court.
If you receive legal papers, send them to your insurance company immediately. Your insurance company will defend you in the legal action by providing an attorney. When needed, work with the attorney throughout the defense of your case.
Shop Around For Affordable Car Insurance Quotes
Shopping for car insurance quotes can help determine just how much your insurance premium will be affected by an at-fault accident or citation. Make sure that the auto insurance company you are with right now doesn’t try to increase your car insurance rates too much.
Just research and evaluate your options with free car insurance quotes, and that means providing the insurance company honest information during the complete quote process. This may mean full-disclosure of an at-fault accident or citation.
By entering your 5-digit zip code, MyCarInsuranceRates.com offers you the ability to compare car insurance quotes from the best auto insurance companies in the country, like Nationwide, Allstate, GEICO, Progressive, 21st Century Insurance, Liberty Mutual, State Farm, Farmers, AAA, and AARP, helping consumers find the best, cheap car insurance in your state.
Enter your zip code to begin a car insurance quote online now, and see how much you could be saving with cheap car insurance.
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