First, a few BEFORE tips to make an accident less likely to occur or easier to deal with if it does?
· Keep your vehicle well maintained, especially brakes, tires, windshield wipers, and light bulbs. And, of course, drive safely and defensively, with your seat belts on and your cell phone off. The best way to deal with an accident is not to have one.
· Read your car insurance policy before you need it. Make sure you have the coverage you need for collision repair, rental car reimbursement, and vehicle replacement in the event your vehicle is declared a total loss. Don't be surprised to find out what's not covered.
· Have an emergency kit in your vehicle, which contains such items as safety flares, first aid supplies, pencil and paper, and a flashlight. We have these kits for sale here at Piercey Toyota / Scion. It's also a good idea to have an inexpensive or disposable camera or a camera-equipped cell phone.
What to do AFTER an accident has happened?
· Car accidents can leave the most level-headed motorist shocked, stunned, and more than a little shaken. Try to calm your nerves. Make sure everyone involved is OK, and call 911 if they aren't. Turn on your vehicle's hazard warning lights. Determine the safest place to be, and get everyone there (do not move anyone who appears to be seriously injured).
· If the accident is anything more than a fender-bender or a hit-and-run driver is involved, call the police. Wait for them to arrive; do not leave the area. If it is safe to do so, take pictures of the damage to your car and any other vehicles involved and the area of the accident. Then, move the vehicles involved to a safe spot out of the flow of traffic if possible.
· Exchange necessary information with the other driver, but don't discuss the details of the accident with anyone but the police or your insurance agent. Be sure to write down the driver's name, address, phone number, drivers license number, insurance information, vehicle license number and description of their vehicle. Get the vehicle's VIN number; it's visible on the dashboard looking through the driver's side windshield from the outside (it should also be on their insurance card). Also write down contact information for all witnesses. If you haven't taken pictures, try to make some notes about the damage to each vehicle and the circumstances of the accident - it may be difficult to remember details later on.
· Do not drive your vehicle if it cannot be operated safely. If you need a tow, call the Piercey Toyota Collision Repair Department at (408) 240-1400; we can arrange towing as well as car rental. Our recommended tow service is Unique Towing; they can also be reached at (408) 249-5253 twenty-four hours a day.
· Contact your insurance agent to report the accident, even if it wasn't your fault. You may also contact the Piercey Toyota Collision Repair Department at (408) 240-1400 to begin the repair process. You can bring in your vehicle or have it towed to Piercey Toyota for a free estimate, even if your insurance provider directs you to another shop; you have the right to go to the facility of your choice for estimates or repairs. Our collision repair service adviser will assist you in setting up the needed documents, arrange for a rental vehicle if desired, and guide you throughout the repair. Our authorized collision repair provider is German Auto Body; they can also be reached at (408) 727-3368 twenty-four hours a day.
· Finally, California law requires that you report the accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles within ten days, if anyone was injured or there was more than $750 in damage (to vehicles or other property). This report must be filed even if a police report was prepared at the accident scene. Go to the DMV website (www.dmv.ca.gov) to fill out and print the Traffic Accident Report (Form SR1) which is then mailed to them.