3 Must-Dos After a Car Crash To Cruise Through Insurance Claims

The chaotic aftermath of a car crash can feel like steering through a thunderstorm without a compass. Whether it's a minor fender bender or a more serious collision, the post-accident experience can be an overwhelming maze of stress, confusion, and panic. But what if you had a roadmap to guide you through this storm?

A well-crafted plan will ensure you don't miss any crucial steps that could help you cruise through the insurance claim process. Stick around because these three guidelines could be the difference between a bumpy ride and a smooth sail toward resolving your car insurance claim.

1. Move Your Car and Call the Police

When you're involved in a car accident, move your car out of traffic if it's safe to do so. This is important not only for your safety and the safety of other road users but also for the smooth progression of your insurance claim.

Leaving your car on the road can lead to other accidents or damage, which could complicate the insurance process. For example, if another car hits your already damaged vehicle, determining who's at fault for the damage may become more challenging.

Any additional complications or chaos at the accident scene might be used to question your judgment or actions during the insurance claim process, potentially reducing your settlement.

Once you've moved your car, call the police immediately. Even if it's just a minor collision, always have an official accident report. A comprehensive police report serves as an official record of the incident and can provide an unbiased point of view. This can be invaluable when dealing with your insurance company.

The report will usually include vital information such as the date, time, and location of the accident; details of the involved parties; and a summary of what happened. This official documentation could be the key to settling disputes that may arise during the claim process.

More importantly, it's not uncommon for the initial shock of an accident to mask injuries. The police are trained to handle such situations and can arrange for immediate medical help if required. This protects your well-being and adds another layer of documentation to support your claim.

Always stay at the accident scene until the police arrive, and do not leave before they file the report.

2. Document the Accident

Documenting the accident provides a concrete, firsthand account of events, details, and observations immediately following the incident. Such documentation can include photographs or videos of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and any visible injuries.

These records offer visual evidence that can be extremely helpful when explaining the incident to your insurance company. Also, if the other party disputes your version of events or the extent of the damage to your vehicle, these photographs can provide irrefutable proof to support your claim.

In addition, written notes detailing the accident can be highly valuable. These notes should include the date and time of the accident, the weather and road conditions, and a detailed account of how the accident happened from your perspective. Also, jot down any relevant conversations with the other driver or any witnesses.

These records, while they may seem superfluous at the moment, can become remarkably crucial as time passes and specific details begin to fade from memory. This documentation will not only help you recall events accurately but also lend credibility to your account, making it easier to navigate the insurance claim process.

Remember that insurers rely on this information to determine liability and calculate compensation. Without it, the process may get delayed as the insurance company tries to piece together what happened.

In some cases, a lack of evidence can even lead to denials of claims or reduced payouts. A thorough documentation not only strengthens your claim but also ensures a smoother, quicker resolution, helping you get back on the road sooner.

3. Exchange Information

Exchanging information with the other party involved in a car accident can significantly streamline the insurance claim process. This exchange should include names, addresses, phone numbers, driver's license numbers, and most importantly, insurance information.

Having this data readily available allows for direct communication between the insurance companies involved, which can expedite the claim investigation process. It also ensures that you have the necessary details to file a claim against the other party's insurance if they were at fault.

Without this information, locating the other driver or their insurance company could become time-consuming and frustrating.

Remember to note down the specifics of the other vehicle, like the make, model, color, and license plate number. In more serious accidents, police reports often contain these details. But in minor collisions, this responsibility often falls on the drivers involved.

If there were any witnesses to the accident, collect their names and contact information, as their account of the incident could support your version of the events and strengthen your claim.

Need to learn more about the insurance claim process in Chicago, IL? Call us at Illinois Insurance Center to speak to one of our knowledgeable agents. We can guide you through the general steps and requirements for making an insurance claim or answer any questions you might have.