Taking
the time now to plan what to do if you are in an auto accident can help
get you back on the road faster. Doing a few things at the scene of an
accident can help you avoid costly and time-consuming mistakes. Here are
several useful tips from the experts at West Loop Auto Body in Chicago
that you should remember if you're in an accident. You may even want to
keep these tips in your vehicle's glove compartment.
1. STAY
SAFE! Make sure your car and any other vehicles are as far off the
roadway as possible. Warn oncoming traffic by activating your hazard
warning lights.
2. CALL THE POLICE! Call 911 to report the
accident. Even if you just had a fender bender, call the police so they
can document who was involved; they'll decide whether an accident report
is necessary.
3. TAKE PICTURES OF THE ACCIDENT SCENE! With
technology today you can take pictures of the scene of accident with
your picture phone. Make sure you get pictures of all damage that happen
as a result of the accident. Get pictures of all vehicles involved
including license plate number.
4. CONTACT YOUR INSURANCE AND
REPORT THE CLAIM! The sooner your insurance company knows about the
accident, the sooner it can start working to resolve your claim.
5.
STICK TO THE FACTS! Discuss the accident only with the police and your
insurance company. Be honest and factual! Avoid guessing or speculating
on times, distances or speeds if you're unsure.
6. EXCHANGE VITAL
INFORMATION WITH THE OTHER DRIVER! Write down the name, address, phone
number and license numbers of all drivers and witnesses. Ask each for
the name of his or her insurer and policy number. Your insurer might
need to speak with them to determine who's at fault for the accident.
Your insurance company will want to know if the police responded or if
anyone was injured. Also, get details about the other cars involved,
taking note of whether the cars were damaged and if so, where the damage
occurred.
7. CONSIDER ALL YOUR REPAIR OPTIONS! Once you've
figured out all of the details at the scene, you'll need to consider
your next steps. With West Loop Auto Body you can choose the most
convenient way to have your claim handled. Our A+ rating with the BBB
gives you assurance that we will care for your every need. With Towing
and Enterprise Rent-A-Car on location; we can have you back on the road
quicker than most other body shops. West Loop Auto Body will work with
your insurance company to make the repair process is smooth and headache
free.
For more useful auto and FAQ's, visit us at
www.westloopauto.comUntil we collide again!
Tony "the car guy" Morice
General Manager
West Loop Auto Body