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Auto accidents often happen so fast that you might not even be sure what happened at first. You may also sustain injuries that make it difficult to remember the course of events that led to the accident. Even if you think the accident was your fault, this might not necessarily be true. For this reason, it’s best to avoid admitting fault right away. Instead, insurance companies employ professionals who know how to determine who’s at fault for an accident. You can help them do their job by following this list of steps offered by the professionals at Altra Insurance, the premier providers of auto insurance San Diego drivers trust for reliable, high-quality service.
Stay at the Scene
Fleeing the scene after an accident is not only illegal, but it could also cause you to lose valuable evidence. Always stay at the scene to make sure everyone is safe. Once everyone is out of harm’s way, you can start to gather information about what happened that helps you begin to figure out what went wrong.
File a Police Report
Contacting the local police gives you a nonjudgmental party who can immediately begin taking down details about the accident. The police will know the right information to include in the report, such as where the accident happened and the final location of the vehicles. They can also take note of factors such as whether the traffic lights weren’t working properly. Once the police report is complete, the insurance company can use this information to begin figuring out what really happened.
Take Photos for Evidence
Photographic evidence can be helpful for showing where the two cars collided. For instance, damage to the back of your vehicle can show you were hit from behind. You can also take photos of unsafe driving conditions, such as large potholes in the road or an obstructed traffic sign. Photos of the damage to your car can also help the insurance company come up with an amount for the settlement to cover the repairs.
Ask Witnesses for Their Contact Information
The majority of car accidents are witnessed by other people in the area. If a witness stops to help, make sure to get his or her contact information. Sometimes this information will be in the police report, but it’s still best to write other people’s names and phone numbers down just in case they aren’t included. A witness might be able to describe things he or she saw at the scene that can help an insurance adjuster determine if the other driver was distracted or speeding.
Work with Your Insurance Company
Throughout the process of determining fault, it’s possible your insurance company may request more information. They may ask you to furnish a copy of the police report, or they may have a question about the damage done to your car or any personal injuries. Responding to any questions as soon as possible prevents unnecessary delays in processing your claim.
Whether you’ve been in an accident or not, it’s important to make sure you find the most affordable car insurance to protect yourself in the future. If you need affordable, reliable car insurance, look no further than the trustworthy pros at Altra Insurance Services. We can take care of a variety of your insurance needs, including motorcycle, homeowners, business and car insurance Chula Vista. Give us a call today at (800) 719-9972 to find out more about our high-quality insurance products and impeccable service.