What Should I Do When My Car is Hit from Behind?

October 2, 2020

Plenty of Dos and Don'ts Following Any Car Accident

Here are some generally accepted suggestions and guidelines following an accident of any kind. However, they are certainly applicable when you are hit from behind.

AT THE SCENE:

DO:

Keep Calm: Easier said than done. Check.
Injuries: If anyone is injured, call for emergency medical help.
Stay Safe: Move your car to a safe location nearest the accident if it ends up in an unsafe spot.
Police: Call the police if there is significant damage - or - if you suspect the other driver is guilty of a crime.
Collect Information: Take down all the information you can regarding other driver, vehicle owner, insurance carriers, witnesses, accident details, etc. (see reference to form(s) below)

Do NOT

Fault: Do not Admit any Fault, even if you feel you may share blame.
Coverage: Do not discuss your Insurance policy coverages with other parties.
Private Information: Do not give out too much private information.(Other than to the police)

Do Not allow the other party of the accident to take pictures of your license or registration.
You only need to provide other parties in the accident with:
Your Name.
Vehicle: Year, Make, Model and VIN#.
Name of your insurance company, agent number and phone and policy number.
Be careful about what information you give out, never disclosing information like DOB, SS# etc. (except police)

Details: Do not discuss the details of the accident with anyone EXCEPT with the police or emergency personnel at the scene.

WHAT INFORMATION SHOULD I COLLECT?:

Accident Report Form: Many insurance companies publish accident Report Forms that are provided to their clients. Here is the one we share with our clients.

Keep a copy of an accident report form with your Insurance ID Card holder in your car. It is a good place to store it because you will likely be reaching for your ID Card following an accident. That location will keep it handy and provide a reminder.

AFTER THE ACCIDENT:

Insurance Company/Agent: The call to your insurance company can happen after the dust settles at the scene. It is to your advantage to notify your insurance company even if you feel you are not at fault. This is especially true if immediately before or during the accident, both vehicles were moving.

Your insurance company will appoint an adjuster (potentially multiple adjusters) to walk you through the claim process. Depending on the details of the accident and if you were injured, the other party's insurance company may contact you directly as well.

Attorney: If you were injured a discussion with your (an) attorney may be advisable prior to a talking with the opposing party's insurance carrier.

Injuries: The question is light on injury information, but obviously if anyone is hurt they should seek medical attention following the accident as necessary.

Work with your Representatives: Consider your insurance company personnel, your agent, and attorney as resources following a claim. Complying with their requests (not that of the other party's representation) in a timely fashion is in your best interest.

Have questions about your car insurance? Would you like a free quote? Feel welcome to contact us by dialing 607-324-7500

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