Our agency branches handle several auto claims in the course of a day. This can, at times, run into double digit numbers depending on variables such as time of day and seasons of the year. This is something that we happily do for our clients. That is, after all, when we can be there for them in their time of need.
Sometimes these auto claims can be easily settled depending on the severity of the accident. Other times it can take longer and require a more involved process on the part of the client and other parties involved. One of the biggest obstacles that we face when trying to assist a client in a complex claim situation is the shortage of documentation. It is important when in an accident that you take the proper measures to ensure that all information will be available to the carrier adjuster when it comes time to settle the claim. These can include items such as an official police report of the accident and an exchange of information form. But equally important to those records are photographs.
In our world of mobile phones and electronics, it is likely that you have a camera no further than your own pocket. A visual record can make a tremendous difference in being able to communicate the details of a crash to others.
If you do experience an auto accident, we advise and encourage you to do the following:
- First and foremost, ensure that if any passengers are injured that you call 9-1-1 and report the accident.
- Call and report the accident to local law enforcement.
- If you are physically able, start by taking photos of the accident with the vehicles in their post-crash positions. Take photos from a distance and then move closer to the damage taking photos along the way. If there are skid marks present, be certain to include them in the picture.
- Take close-up and detailed photos of the damaged areas on all vehicles involved in the crash.
- Get license plate photos of all vehicles involved.
- If there were road hazards that contributed to the accident, get photos of them.
- Be sure that you never take photos of injuries or graphic scenes of blood or death. Restrict your photos to property damage only.
By literally providing a complete picture of the accident, you will give an adjuster a more complete record to better handle your claim.
Be on the lookout in the Spring of this year when we introduce our new agency phone app that will allow you to take all the information and photos of a crash and submit it to us directly through the app. If we have an email address on file for you, we will be sending you a message when the app is available for download.
