WHAT TO DO AFTER A
TRAFFIC ACCIDENT
You have a traffic accident?
Gather the following information / documents:
Your driver’s license or identification (DL/ID) card.
Your vehicle’s license plate number or vehicle identification number (VIN).
Your vehicle’s Insurance information.
I have all my documents on hand... what's next?
1.- Call 911 if there are injuries.
2.- Call the police. In some areas, police authorities may respond to every accident scene. They may consider factors such as the severity and location of the accident (some police authorities will not come to the scene if the accident is on private property). However, you should attempt to notify the police. You should also be aware that most policies require notification to the police within a specified time period if the accident is a hit and run.
3.- Obtain names, addresses, telephone numbers, and driver's license numbers from all drivers.
4.- Obtain license plate(s) and vehicle identification numbers. Ask to see driver's license(s) and vehicle registration(s) to verify the information is accurate.
5.- Obtain names, addresses, and telephone numbers of other passengers and any witnesses.
6.- If you have a camera or a cellphone, take photographs of the damage, and the accident scene (traffic controls, visual obstacles).
7.- If the owner of a damaged car or damaged property cannot be located, leave a note with the names and addresses of the driver and owners of the involved cars.
8.- Notify your agent and/or your insurance company immediately. You should contact the insurance company as soon as you can after the accident. If you're filing a first party insurance claim, call the number on your insurance card or go online to report the accident.
AUTO INSURANCE:
INFINITY
(800) 334-1661 (Click Here to Call)
PROGRESSIVE
(800) 274-4499 (Click Here to Call)
COMMERCIAL INSURANCE:
TEXCAZ INSURANCE SERVICES
(800) 077-2631 (Click Here to Call)
CANOPIUS INS.
(512) 806-1413 (Click Here to Call)
WINTER GROUP
(800) 315-6090 (Click Here to Call)
QUALITAS INSURANCE (
619) 876-4355 (Click Here to Call)
If you're filing a third party insurance claim, you should obtain insurance information from the other driver in order to contact his or her insurer.
9.- If anyone is injured or the vehicle damage exceeds $750.00, you must report the accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days. Failure to notify the DMV may result in the suspension of your driver's license.
What to Expect After Reporting an Accident to Insurance
You can expect a few things to happen after reporting an accident to insurance:
The insurance company will create a claims report: This report will include details of the accident that they receive from you or anyone else involved in the accident.
The insurance company may request additional information: The insurance company may request additional information. This might include a copy of the police report or any evidence you have.
The insurance company will begin an investigation into the accident: They will assign an insurance adjuster to your account. They may come to your location or wherever the vehicle is stored.
The insurance company will issue a resolution: After reviewing the available information and completing an inspection, the insurance company will issue a resolution.
A resolution will include a decision to either accept or deny your insurance claim. If the insurance company accepts your claim, they will also specify an amount that they will provide you to cover your damages.