No matter how safe you are driving on the Elgin roads, there is always a possibility for car accidents, both major and minor, to happen. When those unfortunate events happen, South Elgin drivers should have at least an idea of what to do after a car accident. Elgin CDJR is here to tell you more about what you should do after you are in a car accident and how to file a car insurance claim, so you can be somewhat prepared beforehand. In the meantime, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us.

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Minor vs. Major Accidents: What To Do After A Car Accident?

All Streamwood drivers should have some kind of auto insurance in the case that car accidents, whether they are minor or major, happen. You want to be sure that you will be able to afford any injuries you may have and afford any you have caused to another person or property. If you are the one at fault, your liability insurance will be able to cover the damages. Let's take a look at the steps you should take after minor and major accidents below. 

Minor Accidents

Minor car accidents could be a fender-bender or someone backing into your car. After a minor car accident, you should:

  1. Make sure that you and other passengers aren't injured. If they need medical attention, call an ambulance or go to the emergency room. 
  2. If you aren't injured, park your vehicle at a nearby safe location, so you can address the situation without being in the way of other drivers on the Bartlett roads. 
  3. Call the police to document the accident in an official report as your insurance company may require it. Don't listen to the other driver if they demand that you don't need to notify the police. 
  4. Switch contact information with the other driver(s). This includes phone numbers, email addresses, and insurance policy information. Take pictures of everyone's driver's license, license plate numbers, and insurance cards. If there were any witnesses to the accident, you should also ask for their contact information as well.
  5. Document your vehicle's damage by taking detailed pictures of the damage to the vehicles involved. Additionally, you should take a picture of the accident scene.
  6. Notify your insurance provider as soon as possible, so the car accident insurance claim process can begin right then. 

Major Accidents

Major accidents are more serious than minor accidents as the aftermath includes severe injuries and even possibly fatalities. Because of the severity at hand, the steps will be different:

  • Dial 911 right away or have someone call for you. The police will accompany you on your way to the hospital and will consider documenting any important information if you are not in a state to do so yourself. Be sure to follow up later that you have all the information you need. 
  • Contact your insurance provider to make sure you have taken all the proper steps for the situation. Regardless if someone else has filed the claim on your behalf, you should personally reach out if possible. 
  • Follow up with your physician if you continue to experience the effects of the car accident.

How to File a Car Accident Insurance Claim?

Whether you have been involved in a major or minor accident, you may be able to file a car accident insurance claim, so how do you do that? Check with your insurance provider for exact details. However, since the process is mostly the same across different providers, you should be able to file a claim with the following information: 

  • Your insurance policy number
  • A detailed description of how the accident occurred including date, time, and location
  • All the collected contact and insurance information from other involved parties
  • Name of the police department involved, as well as the police report number (if applicable)

An insurance adjuster will evaluate your vehicle to estimate the cost of your repairs, coverage, and more. If the photos you provided and the police report are not enough, you may have to plan a meeting to have your vehicle inspected in person.

Learn More From Elgin CDJR

While these unfortunate events do happen, Elgin CDJR wants to help you get back to the road. Now you know about the steps to take after a car accident and car insurance claims, learn more finance information, including other auto insurances. Our service center is always here to help you as well!