As more employees are encouraged back to the office and students are welcomed back to the classroom, our local roads are busier than ever! With all the excitement of leaving our virtual world behind us, the last thing you want to worry about is being rear-ended leaving the Dunkin’ drive-through, or coming out of a meeting to find your side view mirror smashed on a rainy day.
Unfortunately, even as careful as you can be, accidents do happen — and they happen often. On average, there are six million car accidents in the United States every year. That’s roughly 16,438 per day! Of these crashes, 22,471 caused property damage of some sort. This means the probability of getting into a car accident at some point during your life is extremely high. With odds like that, Cushman Insurance wants to help you live more and worry less — which is why we’ve put together a step-by-step guide so that you know what to do if you find yourself involved in a crash.
What To Do Immediately After the Accident
It’s okay to be overwhelmed in the moments after a car accident. It’s normal! Our suggestion would be to familiarize yourself with these seven steps so that you can be prepared.
Stop. Even if your accident was a minor fender bender, Massachusetts law requires you to stop at the scene of an accident. Failure to stop, and provide identification and insurance information, could result in serious criminal charges.
Check for injuries on yourself, and others involved. If you or a passenger has been injured, or if you are unsure, call an ambulance to be safe.
Move the vehicles if possible. Our suggestion would be to move them to a side street, the breakdown lane of a highway, or a parking lot.
Report the crash to law enforcement. In cases involving injury, or death, you are required under Massachusetts law to report the crash to the local police or Massachusetts State Police. A report is always required to be made to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles.
Exchange information. Collect information from all parties involved. This includes:
Name and contact information
Vehicle Description (make, model, year)
Driver’s License number
License plate number
Insurance company name and policy number
Witness names and phone numbers
Accident location
Take photos of your vehicle, the accident site, and any other vehicles involved.
Call roadside assistance, such as AAA, to move your vehicle if unsafe to drive.
What To Do After the Accident
After you leave the scene, whether you return home or go directly to the auto body shop, we suggest calling Cushman Insurance, your agent can review your policy coverage with you and contact the insurance company on your behalf. Our team will be here to ensure that the claims process goes smoothly and that it is handled efficiently so that you can get back to your life or your business as quickly as possible.
Have an additional question about what to do during and/or after a car accident? Need some help filing a recent auto claim? Live more and worry less with Cushman Insurance! Contact Cushman Insurance today to connect with a local and friendly insurance agent.
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