STEPS TO TAKE AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT
Car accidents happen all the time unexpectedly on the roads, highways, parking lots, etc. If you are involved in a motor accident, there are steps to take to ensure the safety of everyone involved, that the law is followed and to get the insurance claim process started. Here are some of the steps you need to take:
1. Stop: in case of an accident you should stop, turn off your car engine.
Never drive away from the scene of the accident no matter how minor the crash is. Check on yourself and passengers, if any, for injuries. Get medical help if there are injuries.
2. Protect the scene: use hazard lights, safety triangle (put the safety triangle approximately 150 meters from the accident scene to warn other drivers of stationary vehicles ahead.)
3. Call the police: no matter how minor the accident is, always call the police. The responding police will fill out a police abstract that will be required by the insurer when you file for a claim. In a situation where the police cannot come to the scene, to the police station and fill out the abstract form yourself.
4. Exchange information: you will need to exchange some basic information with the third party involved. Get their names, contact number, their driver’s license number, the number plate of their car, type, colour, and model of vehicle, location of the accident, their insurance company, and policy number. Avoid discussing blames, focus on the facts of the accident. When you file for a claim the claims investigator will be the one to determine who is at fault based on the inspection of the damage on vehicles and the facts provided.
5. Document the accident: it is important to get information from the scene.
- Get the name and badge number of the responding police
officer. - Ensure you make a copy of the police abstract, this will be required by your insurer when filing for a claim.
- Take pictures of your vehicle from different angles, showing the
damage done to both cars. Also, take pictures of the other car’s license plate. This will be crucial when it comes to supporting your claim. - Get the names and contact information of the parties involved including the passengers’ names
- If there are any witnesses get their names and contact
information
6. Contact Your Insurer: it is important to immediately inform your insurer of the accident. Let them know about the incident and explain the facts and the extent of your injuries, if any. Your insurance agent will guide you on exactly what they will need in order to process your claim, this will help get your vehicle repaired quickly.
insurer may offer you a less amount than the amount of the claim that you should be compensated. Let them know about any kind of expenses that you incurred as a result of the accident e.g. Medical bills, repairing and maintenance costs, etc. Be sure that you are compensated the full amount.
8.Protect your rights: before signing the settlement claim, it is crucial that you seek the advice of a lawyer. The legal counselor could help you get the full settlement or they can help you defend yourself if you are at fault.
If you need any assistance, contact us at +254 722 861 115, +254 751 894 892, or email us at insurance@sunlandkenya.com.
