After the Accident

[AlmostThere]

With Cedar's recent accident, it made me think about how I would handle a situation like hers. Before I start, please, if at this time it seems insensitive, I apoligize, but I am ignorant as to how it works.
I often wondered the steps I should take immediately after an accident, concerning calling the insurance and towing away of my vehicle from the scene etc. Do I call my insurance and they take care of calling me help? And how does one decide where the damaged vehicle goes? Do the police get involved in any of those decisions?
Thanks for any help...

[JanetA]

All good questions!

am awaiting the suggestions from the girls!

hugs!

[OutandAbout]

Lenora, I would notify the police first and report the accident. (hopefully no injuries) They will take care of the report and if the vehicle can't be driven, will have it towed. I would then call the insurance agency and let them do their thing. It's really not all that complicated, as the others do all the work at that time, including whatever clean up is required. You could also call your insurance provider and ask them what steps to take. Hope this helps. Linda

[mitch5252]

Good questions!

My question was, with a blowout like Cedar had, was there anything that could have been done?

And if you start to waggle/sway, you take your foot off the gas and don't brake?

[JanetA]

we had a blowout on our 20' mh years ago in monument valley on a 2 lane hwy. Thankfully husband (AH) was driving and I was sitting directly on the tire that blew (mh was not a dually),, so I heard it go.. he just let off the gas and let it slow on it's own and wrestled it to a stop. Out in the middle of nowhere, he put on the spare and we went in to Kayenta Az. and bought a new tire. I would guess that we were lucky... wouldn't ya'll? I might also guess that the smallness of the MH was also in our favor and I know that we were going at least 55 when it happened. Also lucky that the shoulders were even w/ the road. Lots of things contribute to the safety of such an event.

But to answer mitch's question, i'd say what she suggested about letting off the gas and NOT braking would be the thing to do.

What do you others think?

[Sparkle]

I would guess that it depends on the circumstances. In my case I was able to drive away from the accident and no one else was involved. I only got stopped because unbeknownst to me I was dragging the floor of my rig behind me. They did the police report and they drove away. I cleared up the debris as best as I could and proceeded on to my job, then contacted the insurance company. However, if I was half over a guard rail then the police would be involved first. We need Cedar to tell us what happened next.

[Cedar518]

sorry, i'm not up for discussing this all any more.

[ohlucy05]

I took a class for recertification for my teacher's license on risk management (insurance). What I can tell you is the following: 1) call the police and call for an ambulance if someone is hurt 2) exchange information 3) take pictures (cell phone or digital camera) and get witness information if possible 4) MOST IMPORTANT - DON'T SAY A WORD UNTIL YOU TALK TO YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY to anyone. That includes telling friends about what happened. It could come back to haunt you in court.

In some states, if you admit that you saw them going to fast, your insurance will end up paying for you and possibly the other people. You did not take diligence to prevent the accident. The claim is spread of % of responsibility of the the wreck vs the other person. You need to talk to your insurance company to see if you live in a state that rules like that. Some states rule that each vehicle takes care of their damage.

The other thing that I can tell you - my husband had a motorcycle accident (a few months ago) - our insurance ( for the motorcycle and car) were different companies and we will collect on underinsured insurance on both to pay expenses- it is called stacking policy. (currently his medical bill is over $50000.) He was hit by a drunk driver in a rental car and of course the driver carried the minimum required. This driver killed another motorcycle rider in the group ahead of my husband instantly. So I am very fortunate to have a husband. And yes he is still riding and very happy to be alive. BTW, the drunk driver was also killed but he affected so many lives by his senseless actions

The other thing that I learned from both experiences is: 1) go for the highest amounts of coverage possible - the cost is usually minimal in comparison with the cost of a policy. You don't worry about that until you have a claim and 2) you should check your coverage yearly just like you would check on retirement funds. Needless to say the class was an eyeopener but the best part for me is that it was a free graduate level class that I use in my classes.

Just a few thoughts...

ohlucy

[avalen]

ohlucy,
very good information, thank you

[cat]

Lenore,
Good questions and great answers from everyone.

Cedar,
Sorry about your accident, hope you weren't injured.

carol

[Bethers]

Police don't want to be called when you have something like a blowout - unless there is another vehicle involved, and big damage.

When I had my blowout, the only place I called was my Good Sam's Emergency Service. They sent someone to change the tire - then I drove to where I was going. The next day I called the insurance company. Since it wasn't an accident, there was no need for a police report. In my case, with the insurance I had then, an agent came to where I was - looked at the damage - assessed it - and all was approved for me to get it fixed.

If you have an accident where a police report is necessary, your insurance company may want a copy. If the other party is at fault, they will want them to pay for it.

BUT = the FIRST thing to do - is take care of you and any passengers, human or furkids - make sure all of you are safe - and if anyone is injured, take care of that. The rest will follow.