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(ARA) - No one wants to think about being in an auto accident. But even the safest drivers can be involved in an accident and the fact is that if it happens to you, you may be upset, frightened and not thinking straight.
Knowing what to do and being prepared will help you deal with an accident. The best defense is a good offense, and prevention is the easiest way to avoid an accident. Make sure your car is in good working order so that you don’t stall out on the highway going 60 miles an hour. Check your brakes regularly so you know you can stop when you need to, and make sure your tires are in good shape -- worn down treads give you less control, especially in wet driving conditions. Drive defensively -- don’t eat, talk on the phone, or do anything else that will distract you from the road while driving. Always wear your seatbelt, and make sure kids are buckled into appropriate car seats. And before you hit the road, make sure you have adequate insurance coverage.
Be sure to keep proof of insurance, along with the phone number of your agent or insurance company, in your car. Farmers Insurance Group has introduced a new service called Farmers HelpPoint that not only speeds up the claims process but also assists customers who have just been through a crisis. “Clients call a toll-free number and reach a claims representative who will immediately start the claims process and get them whatever help they need -- such as a tow-truck or rental car,” explains Farmers’ Bryan Murphy.
Farmers HelpPoint representatives are trained not only to handle claims information, but also provide comfort to customers who are under duress. Dale Nesis, of Hometown, Ill., called Farmers HelpPoint shortly after she had been in a three-car accident. “I had never been in an accident before, so it was kind of devastating,” Nesis said. “I was so scared I couldn’t stop shaking. They put me so much at ease. They were wonderful.” If you are involved in an accident, the first consideration is safety.
If you’re on the highway, it could be dangerous to leave the car until law enforcement personnel can block traffic. You should call the police any time you are involved in an auto accident. If it’s safe to get out of the car, check for injuries among your passengers and among other drivers and their passengers. Make sure everyone involved in the accident is OK. A person’s wellbeing is much more important than damage to their vehicles. In the event of a minor fender bender, emergency medical care may not be necessary. But if there’s any doubt, call 911 for medical help at once. A cell phone makes it easy to get the help you need quickly. Write down the names, addresses, phone numbers and license numbers of everyone involved in the accident. Keep a pad of paper and a pen or pencil in your glove box for emergencies. You’ll also want to get the names and phone numbers of any passenger in the vehicles, as well as anyone who witnessed the accident.
Write down a description of the other vehicles involved in the accident, as well as specifics regarding the damage to each vehicle. It is a good idea to keep a disposable camera in your car so you can photograph the exterior and interior of the vehicles involved in the accident. Try to get all angles -- front, back and sides. Record details about the accident, such as the location; note any special circumstances such as bad weather conditions or low visibility. “You may think you’ll remember this information, but it’s better to get the details down now while they’re still fresh in your mind,” says Murphy.
Finally, notify your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident. They will give you instructions on how to file a claim and any further steps you should take to deal with the accident. For more information on what to do in the event of a car accident, or for more information on FarmersHelpPoint, visit www.farmers.com. Courtesy of ARA