Restoration Insurance: What to do if you are involved in an auto accident
This is the final post in our series on safe driving tips for restoration contractors.
Defensive driving – if you’re involved in an accident.
Even the best defensive driving tips will not prevent all accidents. If you happen to be involved in an accident, follow a few simple rules.
Please do the following in any accident, but do them as safely as possible, depending on your situation.
Move to the side of the road and turn off the ignition.
Perform the first-aid check
Call the police
Collect insurance and registration information, and get a copy of the police report.
Sketch the accident scene
Don’t point blame or discuss fault.
If, despite your best efforts, you’re involved in a traffic accident, remember that most people will be upset, and emotions will be high. Do not allow their behavior to draw you into a fight or confrontation.
So try to remain calm and take these steps:
First, move to the side of the road, if possible, and turn off the ignition. You must be very careful while doing this. If you are overly upset or injured, do not attempt to move your vehicle until it is safe for you or someone else to do so.
Next, perform the first-aid check on all drivers and passengers. Carrying a first aid kit in your vehicle is always a good idea for this reason.
Call the police and report your location and any injuries that require emergency medical services. Try to do this as soon as possible and as soon as it is safe.
When the police arrive on the scene, collect insurance and registration information from the other driver, and make sure to ask the police to send you a copy of their report.
Draw a quick sketch or take a picture of the accident scene and jot down your recollection of exactly how the accident happened.
Finally, don’t point blame or discuss fault—leave it to the insurance companies to
