What photos and notes should I take after a car accident?
If it is safe, AAA advises taking photos of the damage on every vehicle involved and writing down the date, time, location, road conditions and weather. If anyone is hurt or in danger, call 911 first.
What comes first?
Safety. AAA South Jersey says that if no one is hurt and the car can be driven, you should safely move it out of traffic, and not leave the scene. If anyone is hurt or in danger, call 911 first.
Which photos should I take?
AAA Club Alliance says to "document the damage of all vehicles involved," and that taking photos and notes will help if you decide to file an accident report. AAA South Jersey says: "If possible, take photos of vehicle damage for all involved vehicles." Neither AAA page says exactly which photos or angles to take.
What should I write down?
- The date, time of day, location, road conditions and weather.
- The license plate number and VIN of each vehicle.
- The other driver's name, address, phone number, insurance provider and policy number, driver's license number and plate number.
- Names and phone numbers of any witnesses, and the officer's name and a copy of the police report. AAA South Jersey says to call the police to file a report.
How should I keep the records?
Triple-I says to keep thorough and organized records of anything related to the claim, including names and phone numbers of everyone you speak with at the insurer and copies of any bills. It adds that many insurer apps let you upload photos when you report a claim. AAA suggests printing its checklist and keeping it in the glove compartment. What the photos are used for, and how to send them, depends on the insurer and the claim.
Do I have to report the accident to the state?
New York's DMV says a motorist must file a crash report if the property damage to one individual (yourself included) is more than $1,000, or if someone is hurt or killed. For an injury or a death, the DMV also says to "immediately notify the police." The report is in addition to notifying the police. New York's DFS says to report promptly to your insurer and to the local police, and to file the DMV accident report (MV-104) if damage is over $1,000 or anyone is injured. The DMV page shows no filing deadline, so none is given here. Check the DMV page for the current rules.
What can I ask?
- Did anyone need medical care, and have the police been called?
- Which photos does my insurer want, and where do I send them?
- Is a DMV crash report required in my case?
- Where am I keeping the photos, the police report number and the other party's details?
General information only. This page does not say what any iDeal shop offers. Naming a source does not mean any iDeal shop is certified by it or affiliated with it.
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