We would all hope to not experience such an event but sometimes accidents happens. Whether it is a fender- bender or a total loss, accidents can occur in the blink of an eye, when you least expect. Not all accidents are limited to damages to a vehicles but unfortunately sometimes accidents may involve injuries and the loss of life and/or properties.
All accidents should be reported to one’s insurer to seek motor vehicle insurance. Then insurer should then guide you to the specific steps to be taken to ensure that the claims process is a smooth and fair one, so that all relevant parties are appropriately indemnified.
Let’s look at the following steps that one can use as a guide after an accident occurs.
STEP 1: ENSURE YOU ARE SAFE
Even though you would naturally be overcome with emotions after the occurrence of an accident, it is important that you stay calm. You should check yourself for injuries and if you are unable to move, you should wait until help arrives as trying to move can possibly worsen matters.
STEP 2: ENSURE WELL-BEING OF YOUR PASSENGERS
After ensuring that you are safe, you should check your passengers. If they are seriously injured, you should immediately call an ambulance and/or seek help from passersby or nearby establishments.
STEP 3: CONTACT THE POLICE
Once there is injury and/or damage to vehicle or property, a police report should be made by all parties. If however, severe injuries are sustained, then police should be summoned to the scene of the accident. The police officers should document the accident and all parties should cooperate with them, providing as much information as they can. The receipt collected after lodging a police report should be kept safely.
STEP 4: EXCHANGE INFORMATION
You should exchange contact information with all drivers involved in the accident.
Here’s the most important information that drivers should exchange after an accident:
● Full name and contact information
● Driver’s license details
● Vehicle details such as vehicle registration number, make, model and colour of vehicle.
● Insurance details such as insurance company, policyholder, policy number.
STEP 5: DOCUMENTING YOUR ACCIDENT
To help protect yourself in the event of any liability disputes, the following are important;
● Take as many photos or videos of the accident scene as possible, showing all vehicles involved (registration numbers) and their positions upon occurrence of the accident.
● Keep a note of the police officers such as their names and badge numbers.
● If there are any witnesses to the accident, note down their names and contact information.
Always remember that the more information you capture to support your claim, the easier the claims process will be.
STEP 6: START WITH THE CLAIM PROCESS
Notify your insurance company as soon as you can, providing them with all the information captured. The following documents are usually necessary;
● Completed Claim form, signed and dated
● Estimate from a reputable garage for repairing the vehicle
For more information, please visit https://gulfinsuranceltd.com/claims/motor/