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Health & Fitness

After the "Car" Accident "Automobile Liability?"

Again with Smart Cell phones, if you are able, after you are involved in any type of a vehicle accident, take as many photographs of your car, the other car and the area around you.  Also, if there are witnesses, you can use your cell phone to video tape their account of the accident.  Versions of the accident change by the minute so it is very important to document everything you can as soon as you can.  Be sure to note and photograph the "other" vehicle and in particular any "old" damage that you might see.  Often times the "other" vehicle owner tries to claim the old damage as being caused by the current accident.  If possible leave the vehicles exactly where they are after the accident unless it is not safe to do so.  Try to remain calm and if you are injured you should consider calling 911 and being transported to the local ER!  Don't try to argue liability at the scene of the accident, just gather as much documentation as you can.  Use your cell phone to photograph the other persons drivers license and insurance information.  Also photograph the other person and note how many people are in the "other" car.  Often by the time the claim reaches the adjusters desk there were more people in the "other" car than you recall, and they are all injured.  Be aware of accident scams that are out there!  For example the care in front of you stops for no apparent reason or right after someone cut in front of them.  Never admit fault at the scene of the accident but wait until you have had a chance to reflect back on what took place.  If you have to give a recorded statement to your insurance company, be sure you have all the documents and facts you have collected in front of you.  If your car needs repairs, insist that the insurance adjuster comes to you for the vehicle inspection and try not to meet them at a "body shop."  You first want the adjuster to give you their own independent estimate without interference or assistance from the "body shop."  Once you get a copy of the estimate take you car to a shop of your choice, not the choice of the insurance company! After that you can take the car to the shop suggested by the insurance company and compare the estimates.  Do not share the adjusters estimate or your own shops estimate with the shop that the insurance company sends you to.  Let each place do their own estimate!
If liability is found adverse against you by your own insurance company and you agree, be aware your rates will most likely go up.  If you do not agree with the liability decision of your insurance company, you can continue to argue your point, and if need be, involve the Department of Insurance.  Just be sure you are confident that you did not cause the accident!  Most parking lot accidents are considered 50/50 and there is not much you can do without solid witnesses.
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