What to do when involved in a car accident?

[shaqkur]

wht is the forums experience or learning experience as to this topic? wht are the do's and dont's? how to deal with tow trucks? how to deal with the other party involved?

the aftermath, how to deal with insurance companies? where to bring a damaged car?

i know tht the responses might be very long but i never been in one and dont plan to be in one. but its best to be prepared. snows coming!

[aris]

Call police..never admit it's your fault...(read insruance slip it tells ya on back)
call your insrunace company..you can call your broker or their a number on the back of your slip to call if you were involved in an accident....usaly your car has to go to a body shop that they approve..places like carstar etc

[Thrizzl3]

Call police..never admit it's your fault...(read insruance slip it tells ya on back)
call your insrunace company..you can call your broker or their a number on the back of your slip to call if you were involved in an accident....usaly your car has to go to a body shop that they approve..places like carstar etc

so what if you lose control and have a single car accident..then who's fault is it:loco

[aris]

so what if you lose control and have a single car accident..then who's fault is it:loco

read the back of your insurance slip:loco

[Dave_The_BMXER]

Don't sign anything a towtruck driver gives you.

[Noisy Crow]

Don't sign anything a towtruck driver gives you.

And don't even let a tow truck hook your car until you are positive that you want the particular truck to tow your car... once it's hooked you are on the hook for a bunch of fees.

[mazda_gurl]

First - get out of the car and chase the mofo that hit you screaming WTF?!!?!?!?! (assuming he hit you)

If you hit him, sit with your hands at 10 & 2 on the steering wheel and lock all doors. DO not leave your vehicle until they have stopped swearing at you and calling you every name in the book.

Kidding.

Dont call the police if the damage is less then $1000 and no one has been hurt. If you call the Popo under these circumstances, they wont show.

If the car is driveable - exchange insurance, D/L info with the other driver....have the chit chat and be on your way. Take your car to a collision centre within 24 hours (or is it 48?). Call your insurance any time after the collision.

If the car is not driveable, Id suggest calling your insurance company to see what the next steps are. Your company could have tow truck coverage, or a company they would use to ensure you are covered. I dunno, I havent been in a big accident yet (*Knock on wood*).

If you dont know what to do and you have been in an accident, just call your insurance company.....but whatever you do, do not leave the scene without the other drivers info (insurance, D/L)

And as others have said - DO NOT CLAIM FAULT FOR THE ACCIDENT......no matter what. If you rear end the guy, do not mention any fault on your part. To the guy, the insurance company, or the cop. Just give the facts out and let someone else decide if you were at fault or not.

To avoid this situation all together (since you are concerned about approaching snow), keep a safe distance back when the roads are wet, slick, icy or snowy. Drive slow and most importantly, make sure you know how your car reacts in snow storms!
On the first snow fall, go out at about 10pm-11pm when the roads are semi clear. Zip around a snow filled parking lot. Take turns, slam on your brakes etc etc. Its important to know how your car will handle in winter conditions. Once you have figured it out, you will be in a better spot to avoid a winter collision.

Oh, and get winter tires :p