If you are involved in an auto accident…

Your experience will be much less stressful—later on—if you’ve behaved in a calm manner and have obtained the appropriate information while still at the scene. To help your insurer settle your claim in a fair and timely manner, be sure to do the following:

• Notify law enforcement officials and cooperate fully when they arrive.
• Do not leave the scene of an accident. In cases where damage is minor and authorities will not respond, make sure you collect all necessary information, as outlined below. Do not trust the other driver to follow up later.
• Do not admit fault or place blame on anyone else at the scene.
• Do not disclose personal information such as your financial situation, your profession or the amount of insurance coverage you have.
• Write down the time and location of the accident. Make note of cross streets, nearby addresses, or other landmarks. Describe the condition of the street, configuration of the traffic lanes, etc.
• Identify any witnesses who were not directly involved in the accident. Get their names, addresses and phone numbers.
• Identify all people involved in the accident, including drivers, passengers and pedestrians. Get each person’s:
1. Name, address, and telephone number
2. Gender and date of birth
3. Driver’s license number (including state)
4. Insurance company and policy number
   (This should be available on the insurance cards drivers are supposed to carry in their vehicles at all times.)
5. Try to get the names and any other information you can on any injured parties.
 
• Identify all vehicles involved in the accident. For each one, get:
1. Name and address of vehicle owner (it may be different than the drivers’)
2. License plate number (including state)  
3. Make, model and year of vehicle
4. Damage incurred
• Contact the Brooks Insurance Agency Claims Department at 419.243.1191.