Accidents can happen unexpectedly, even on the same day you purchase your car insurance. While it may seem like a nightmare scenario, it’s important to remember that accidents occur all the time. In this article, we will guide you through the steps you should take if you find yourself in this situation.
What You Should Do
If you have just purchased an insurance policy, any accident that occurs afterward should be covered. It’s crucial to understand that buying insurance after an accident will not help you. Insurance policies only cover incidents that happen after the policy becomes effective.
Assuming you get into an accident on the same day as purchasing your insurance policy, here are the steps you should take:
Contact the Police
Law enforcement officials need to be notified and come to the scene of the accident. If you have just purchased your insurance policy, having an accident report from the police will be crucial. Insurance companies will verify that the incident occurred after the policy became effective. Providing them with an official government document, such as a police report, will help support your claim.
Seek Prompt Medical Treatment
Regardless of the severity of your injuries, it’s important to seek medical treatment promptly. In some cases, injuries may worsen in the hours following an accident. Prompt medical attention will help demonstrate to the insurance carriers that your injuries were a result of the accident.
Preserve Evidence
At the scene of the accident, try to gather and preserve any evidence that may be relevant to your case. Use your phone or any other device with a camera to take photographs of property damage, injuries, license plate numbers, possible causes of the crash, debris, and skid marks. Additionally, if there are any eyewitnesses, make sure to collect their names and contact information. They may provide valuable testimony to the insurance carriers or in a personal injury case.
Take note of any nearby cameras that may have captured the incident, such as those on homes, businesses, traffic cams, or other vehicles with dashcams.
Contact Your Insurance Carrier
If you have just purchased your insurance policy, refer to the welcome documents or visit the website of your insurance carrier for instructions on how to report incidents. Many insurance carriers have mobile apps that allow you to make claims promptly.
However, be cautious when communicating with insurance claims adjusters. Their goal is to minimize the compensation they pay you. Consider reaching out to a skilled vehicle accident lawyer who can handle communication with your insurance carrier on your behalf.
Remember, accidents happen, and that’s why we have insurance. By following these steps and seeking the necessary support, you can navigate through this challenging situation.
FAQs
Q: Does car insurance cover accidents that occur on the same day the policy is purchased?
A: Yes, if you have purchased car insurance and get into an accident on the same day, your policy should cover the incident.
Q: Should I contact the police even if the accident is minor?
A: Yes, it’s essential to notify the police and have an accident report to support your claim, regardless of the severity of the accident.
Q: Can I handle communication with the insurance carrier on my own?
A: While you can communicate with the insurance carrier directly, it’s advisable to seek the assistance of a skilled vehicle accident lawyer to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Conclusion
Experiencing an accident on the same day you purchase car insurance can be an unfortunate coincidence. However, by following the necessary steps, such as contacting the police, seeking medical treatment, preserving evidence, and communicating with your insurance carrier, you can navigate through this challenging situation. Remember, accidents happen, and having insurance provides the necessary support during unexpected events. For more car news and informative articles, visit Car news.