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What To Do If You

Are In An Auto Accident

by Rolando Pasquali

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Most of us have, at one time or another, collided with another vehicle while driving. Here are some tips that every driver needs to know.  

Stop at the Scene

    California law makes it a crime, punishable by imprisonment, if you don't stop at the scene of an accident and identify yourself. This law applies even if the accident only caused auto damage.

Identify Witnesses

    It's unfortunate, but many accidents result in claims by one person against another. Everyone knows to get the name and address of "the other guy" but drivers often forget to identify witnesses. Witnesses to the accident, especially witnesses not connected with either car (so-called "independent witnesses") will be critical later on. If you're going to present a claim, you'll want them in order to prove your case by corroborating your side of the story. If a false or exaggerated claim is presented against you, they're the best protection you could ask for.

Identify Insurance

    Three types of insurance apply to an auto accident. (1) The insurance policy covering the other car (the owner's policy); (2) If the other driver isn't the car's owner, they might have their own policy of insurance which will usually cover them while driving someone else's car; (3) Your own policy of insurance.

    Look at the other driver's auto registration, If the car's owner is different than the driver, get the names and policy numbers for each person's insurance. Later on, check with your insurance agent. If you have a claim which exceeds the other side's insurance limits, you'll need to know if your policy covered "Uninsured Drivers" (situations where the other guy didn't have insurance) as well as "Underinsured Drivers" (situations where the other driver's insurance isn't enough to cover the size of your claim). In either of these situations, your insurance company actually "steps into the shoes" of the other driver and pays you on their behalf.  

No Fault Insurance

   If you or any of your passengers is injured, check with your insurance company to find out if you had "Medical Payments" coverage. This insurance is actually no fault in nature. Your company will pay your medical bills regardless of whether or not the other guy had coverage and regardless of whose fault the accident was. It usually covers you from the first dollar of medical expenses.

The Other Car’s Insurance Company

- by Rolando Pasquali