Had an Accident? Don't Sweat it!

Here's what to do in case you are involved in a motor vehicle accident.

One in every eight drivers will be involved in a motor vehicle accident this year, according to the National Safety Council. That may mean you! Are you prepared?

 

One in every eight drivers will be involved in a motor vehicle accident this year, according to the National Safety Council. That may mean you! Are you prepared? Would you know what to do and what questions to ask? Since most people are reasonably upset after an accident, the National Safety Council offers this list of 11 easy steps to remember.

-- Stop your vehicle if it is clear, safe and legal.

-- Move the vehicle out of the traveled roadway, if it is clear, safe and legal. (In some states it is against the law to move the vehicle from the place where the accident occurred. Check the ordinance in your area.)

-- Turn off the ignitions of the cars involved.

-- Make a first aid check of all persons involved in the accident.

-- Call the police and, if necessary, emergency medical services.

-- Mark the scene of the accident with flares or retro-reflective triangles.

-- Gather the names of all persons in the motor vehicles and people who witnessed the accident.

-- Make a quick diagram of where the vehicle occupants were seated and indicate the vehicles' direction of travel and lane. Also note the date, time and weather conditions.

-- Ask to see the other driver's license and write down the number.

-- Exchange insurance company information. DO NOT discuss "fault" or make statements about the accident to anyone but the police.

-- Get a copy of the police report of the accident from the local precinct.

Then call Hart's!

Be prepared! Download an Accident Report Form here. Keep it in your glove compartment.

 

The "Gentlemen's Agreement"

Can You Afford to Take the Chance Anymore?

 

1994 SAAB 9000 Aero

It used to be, if you were involved in a "minor fender bender", the two parties could simply come to an agreement at the scene and "shake on it". Today, that might not be such a wise choice.

 

This 1994 SAAB 9000 Aero was tagged in a private driveway by a new Dodge truck. The damage appeared to be very minor; a small gouge to the top of the urethane bumper cover, and a crack in the center of the grill. Additionally, there was a small dent in the edge of the hood. Previously, the car was perfect, so the parties agreed the Aero should be returned to it's proper condition. No police report was filled out and owner of Vehicle A agreed to pay for the repairs to Vehicle B. After all "what could it cost?"

 

Upon closer inspection, it was discovered that the impact to the grille had pulled the two headlight assemblies in toward the center. The components affecting headlight alignment were broken. The problem is none of the components of the the assemblies are available separately. The entire assemblies would have to be replaced for both sides! The cost for the assemblies? $400 each! The grill? $300. The Aero bumper cover? A whopping $600! Add the cost of paint and labor and the "minor" fender bender turned into a wallet busting $2400!!

 

When presented with the bill for the repair, the stunned truck owner stated he could not pay that kind of money all at once and would have to make payments! Weeks went by and no payments were made. The Aero owner had to call the truck owner's insurance company after all. In this case, the vehicle owners both knew each other! Imagine if they were strangers. Luckily, the truck owner did not dispute the incident.

 

Moral of the story? Even what appears to be minor damage can turn into a very high repair bill. The wise decision is likely to get it all on record with a police report...

 

Then Call Hart's!!!