What to Do If You Have a Car Accident

Accidents happen, even to those who are excellent drivers. When you know what to do if you have a car accident, you can avoid expensive errors. Here are five things to remember if you have an accident in Matthews, NC from JC Demo Insurance Group. 

1. Move Your Car

If your car is drivable, do your best to get it off to the side of the road so you can avoid blocking traffic as much as possible. If you can get out of your car and you see that other people in the accident need help, do what you can to help them. If you can’t move your vehicle and no one is in need of assistance, stay in the car with your seat belt on to keep yourself safe from other motorists

2.  Call the Police

Your insurance company will probably want a police report to make a claim. Even if no one is hurt, call the non-emergency police number to have a police report filed. 

3. Exchange Information

You and the other driver should exchange information. You can let the other driver know your name and phone number, the name of your insurance company and your policy number. You should also jot down a brief description of the other car involved in the accident, its license plate number, the exact street address where the accident occurred, and any names and phone numbers of potential witnesses in the vicinity.  

4. Cooperate with the Police

Answer the questions that the police have and let them have your personal information as well. Do not necessarily accept blame for the accident.  Just tell the officer what occurred, and let him draw his own conclusions. 

5. Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company

After you have finished the paperwork and the officer releases you to leave the scene, you will want to call your insurance company to let them know about the wreck. They will tell you what your next steps should be. Often, they will have the numbers of preferred repair shops and tow truck companies to help you out. Your insurance agent can help you through this process, so be sure to write down what you need to do while you are on the phone. 

Car accidents are inconvenient, but having a good insurance agent can help expedite the process and get you back on the road in your vehicle. If you need insurance in the Matthews, NC area, contact JC Demo Insurance Group today.