Vehicle Accident Checklist

No matter how careful a driver you are, chances are you will at some point find yourself involved in a road accident. For any accident situation the best thing you can do is be well informed, and well insured. Below are some key factors to keep in mind if you ever find yourself involved in a vehicle accident:

1: Assess the damage

Assessing damage, includes assessing damage to yourself and any passengers, not just your vehicle. You and your passenger's health should be your number one priority. If it appears that emergency treatment is required or you have any major concerns, then make sure to call for an ambulance. Do not take any risks with regards to you or your passenger's health. Remember to that not all damage may be visible, such as in the case of head trauma. If in any doubt, call for an ambulance. It is better to be safe than sorry. Next, check on your vehicle to see what damage has been caused. Then, contact the police. They will fill out a police report on the accident, which is an important requirement for your insurance claim.

2: Check for any witnesses

Take a look around for any bystanders who may have witnessed the accident take place, and request their contact details. Their testimony of the event will aid your insurance claim. Witnesses to the accident will prove particularly important if there is any insurance claim dispute. They can then be contacted for their version of the event.

3: Exchange details with any third party

If any third party is involved in the accident, make sure to exchange contact information, insurance details and your license plate numbers. Double check that you have taken down their driving license details correctly.

4: Make an insurance claim

Fill out an insurance claim with your insurance company as soon as possible. Better yet, if you have the insurance company details at hand whilst at the scene, call the company from there. Many companies provide their clients with a 24 hour claim hotline, so even if your accident happens outside of normal working hours, they will still be contactable. Of course, your insurance package will dictate what you can claim for. So make sure that you check out comprehensive car insurance comparisons to choose which insurance cover best suits you. Be aware that your insurance company will likely ask for your version of events that led to the accident, so be clear in your mind how the event took place. The best thing to do is to try write down the details of the accident as soon as you have an opportunity to do so, as your memory will still be fresh. If you are the party at fault then the other party shall make the claim against your insurance company for damages, so they will need your insurance details. In order to be well covered, consider taking out income protection insurance on top of your regular car insurance, which will cover loss of earnings if you are unable to work for any period of time due to the accident. Additional insurance may mean more outlay, but in terms of peace of mind, it is invaluable.