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What should I do if I just had a car accident?
Assuming there are no injuries, here's a checklist of how to proceed:
1. Call 911 to report the accident. You'll need a copy of a police report for an insurance claim, especially if the accident was not your fault. If the damage is minor and the other driver wants to negotiate a settlement on the spot, be wary: You could have unseen damage.
2. Don't bother engaging the other driver in an argument about who was at fault — the police will handle that.
3. Write down the other driver's name, phone number and insurance information.
4. If you have a camera in your car or on your cell phone, take a few photos of the damage and the accident scene.
5. When you get home, call your insurance agent to report the accident if there will be a claim on your policy. If the other driver was at fault and you don't live in a “no-fault” state, contact their insurance company to start the claims process.
Whether the car damage is minor or extensive, collect enough information in order to protect yourself later. Remember that honesty is the best policy when reporting the circumstances of an accident. For more, here's
what to do after a car accident.
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