 What to do if you are in an accident
Odds are nearly one in 10 that you or someone you know
will be involved in an accident this year. While some accidents involve other cars and
extensive damage, most are minor fender-benders. At Barillaro's we believe it is our
responsibility to provide guidance during this stressful time, so we have compiled a list
of 11 steps to take if you are involved in an accident. Feel free to print this page
and keep it in your glove compartment in case you get in an accident, and remember always
drive safely!
| 1. |
Turn off your vehicle's engine and leave it where it is if you feel
it is safe to do so. If you feel threatened, or your car is in danger of being hit by
another car, slowly drive to a place where you feel safe, such as the side of the road or
a well-lit parking lot. |
| 2. |
Keep
calm. |
| 3. |
Are you injured? Assess the amount of impact and judge to what
degree you may be hurt. If you think you're injured, stay in your car and try to relax. Be
honest if anyone asks how you are. Ask someone to call for help and let a professional
assess your condition. |
| 4. |
Assess
your situation. When examining the possible damage to your vehicle, NEVER walk directly
between the two cars - if one is hit again, you could be trapped between the two vehicles |
| 5. |
Provide medical help to others ONLY if you are trained to do so |
| 6. |
Call
the police. Dial 9-1-1 first. If that doesn't work, dial 0 and ask for the police. |
| 7. |
Don't say the accident was your fault, even if you believe it was. |
| 8. |
Be
tactful and courteous, even if you're angry. |
| 9. |
Get the names, addresses and phone numbers of any witnesses. If you
can't get their names, at least get their license plate numbers. |
| 10. |
Exchange
names, addresses, license numbers and insurance information with any other drivers
involved in the accident. |
| 11. |
Know where you want to get the damage to your vehicle repaired.
You're more likely to get a good repair if you take your car to a shop that displays a
logo for one of these associations: I-CAR. The Inter-Industry Conference on Collision
Repairs offers the latest in technical training. If a facility is I-CAR Gold Class, then
80 percent of its technical staff is I-CAR trained. |
Your legal rights
- You can select any shop you wish to make your
repairs! You can't be forced to use a particular shop
- You are not required by law to get more than one
estimate unless your insurance policy states otherwise.
- It's easy for any body shop to underbid by simply
omitting work or overlooking details. Be aware of this practice.
- In the event of an accident, you have the right to an
arbitrator if the insurance companies involved cannot agree on the amount of physical
damage to your vehicle.
- Only you can authorize repairs on your vehicle. Be
certain that the insurance company will cover the cost of repairing all damages before you
sign anything.
- If you don't intend to pay the repair bill with your
personal check, you must sign and return the insurance release to allow sufficient time
for them to get a check to you. If your insurance company makes a supplemental allowance
for items not included in their initial check, you will be required to pay the additional
amount and obtain reimbursement from the insurance company. This does not reflect on your
credit status in any way.
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Barillaro Motor Sales, Inc.
1040 Broad Street, Meriden, CT 06450
Telephone: (203) 237-8806 Fax: (203) 634-8014
E-mail: |
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