From the ArcaMax Publishing, Automotive Newsletter:
http://www.arcamax.com/news/automotive/s-371013-611300
If you get into an accident - especially a relatively minor, "fender
bender" type of accident where there are no major injuries involved,
just some bent metal - how do you proceed? The following checklist
might be helpful:
First, make absolutely sure no one is seriously hurt - Anything
more than minor scrapes and bumps means call 911 first. Request that
EMS and police (in that order) be dispatched to the scene; make it
clear to the operator that there are people who need medical
attention.
Wait for the police to arrive - Some recommend moving the
vehicles off to the shoulder - for reasons of courtesy and safety.
However, moving the vehicles may also make it less clear who is at
fault - and who gets a ticket, as well as the blame when it comes time
to settle the bill with the insurance company. Best advice: Turn off
the engine, turn on the hazard lights, remove the keys - and wait for
the law to arrive. (In states that have "no fault" laws, obviously,
this is less of an issue. In that case, and assuming the vehicles are
operable and it's safe to do so, go ahead and move them out of the
way.)
If possible, you can direct traffic around the accident scene. If the
conditions are dangerous - lots of cars, heavy traffic - it is smart
to get away from the cars and just wait for the cops to show. Other
drivers may be annoyed by the inconvenience, but given that even a
minor accident can involve thousands of dollars in damage - and given
that if you are found to be at fault, your insurance premiums may go
up for several years to come - creating a temporary and probably minor
obstruction to the flow of traffic seems more than justified,
especially if you are certain the accident is the other driver's
fault.
Keep your conversation with the other driver pleasant, but minimal
- You are required by law to provide your driver's license and
insurance information to the other driver; but you are not required to
discuss who is at fault or anything else about what happened. You want
to avoid making any statement that could be used against you in court
- or possibly in a lawsuit. For example, don't talk about your state
of mind, that you were "in a hurry," or "didn't see" the other car.
Etc. Express no opinion, one way or the other. Leave that to the
police - and your insurance company - to sort out.
Deal with the damaged cars - If there's any reason to suspect
that the vehicle may not be roadworthy as a result of damage sustained
in the accident, you'll want to get it towed to a dealership or repair
shop. (Ideally, the one you will have do the repair work.)
If the front of the car was hit - even if only seemed like a minor
impact - look carefully for evidence of leaks. Green/orange drips are
a tip that the radiator may have been damaged; driving could cause the
vehicle to overheat in short order - and possibly cause major engine
damage. If you see oil drips, it's a clue there may have been damage
to the oil pan or some other part - and again, you don't want to drive
the vehicle and risk further damage (or another wreck).
If the vehicle was rear-ended, be certain that the gas tank is not
leaking before you attempt to drive (or even start) the car. Pretty
much any type of puddle or significant drip is cause for concern - and
probably, a tow.
Look for bent metal around the tires; if you see metal contacting or
even close to any of the tires, a tow is probably the best bet.
If none of the above problems are evident, be aware that the car may
still not drive properly; an impact can, for example, throw off the
alignment and make a car difficult to steer. Use common sense - and
have it towed if it's not more or less in the same operating condition
it was in prior to the wreck. Paint scrapes and minor body damage is
one thing; anything that affects the functionality of the vehicle
another thing entirely.
If you have to get towed, remove all valuables from the car first -
You've probably seen the same sign countless times: "Not
responsible for theft, loss or damage to items left in the vehicle."
Take those words to heart. Remove any portable electronic devices (MP3
players, GPS units) as well as any valuables you may have in the
glovebox or trunk. It's also a really good idea to take with you any
personal paperwork you might have in the car that has details about
where you live, or personal data such as driver's license number.
People can be dirtbags; and the stress-filled and confusing
post-accident hurly-burly is a fertile field for grifters looking to
take advantage.
Be sure the tow truck is the right type for your vehicle and that
proper procedures are used to tow it - The drive wheels (front or
rear) should never be on the ground, especially if the car has an
automatic transmission. Towing it this way can cause massive
transmission damage because the lubricating fluid that would normally
circulate and protect the internal moving parts is not being
circulated with the engine off. All-wheel-drive cars (and vehicles
with any type of permanent 4WD) should be carried on a flatbed. In
fact, flatbed (or "rollback") tow trucks are the best for all vehicles
because they do not drag the car behind them, which risks mechanical
damage as well as cosmetic damage caused by scraping it too close to
the ground or by deforming the front (or rear) end by hoisting it up
in the air.
Call your insurance company, pronto - It's important to file a
claim promptly; and it's at least as important to get "your side" of
the accident told just as promptly. Discuss with them where the car
has been taken - or if you drove home, where you intend to take it.
Remember that in most states, you have the right to choose the shop
that will repair the car - not the insurance company. You also have
the right (usually) to insist that factory replacement parts (not
"generic" or used/junkyard parts) be used to repair your vehicle. Be
sure to carefully read the estimate written up the adjuster - and
determine whether it includes factory new parts - of generic
aftermarket/used parts - before you sign it. Finally, never accept a
settlement check until the repair work has been completely finished to
your satisfaction.
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www.ericpetersautos.com or EPeters952@aol.com for
comments.