No matter how small the damage may seem, if you are involved in an automobile accident stop at once. Report the vehicle accident to the nearest police station. This will protect you against a hit and run charge. CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE BROCHURE TO PUT IN YOUR GLOVE BOX

Make sure no one is injured. Take any injured person to the hospital. If injuries appear serious call an ambulance. If you suspect you were injured in the accident, see a physician promptly. DON'T PUT IT OFF - you'll want it on the record that you sought treatment right away, not a week later. CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE BROCHURE TO PUT IN YOUR GLOVE BOX

Do not allow your car to be towed to a garage you are not familiar with. CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE BROCHURE TO PUT IN YOUR GLOVE BOX

Find out what vehicle accident reports you must fill out, minimum damage that must be reported, how soon you must file a report and the State Department to be notified. CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE BROCHURE TO PUT IN YOUR GLOVE BOX

Don't discuss settlement of your claim until you're sure you've recovered and all the bills are in. CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE BROCHURE TO PUT IN YOUR GLOVE BOX

In most cases you will not need a lawyer to negotiate a settlement. Attorneys are expensive. If you feel you need legal counsel - don't hire just any lawyer; hire a lawyer who is experienced in negligence cases and one who has court experience. CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE BROCHURE TO PUT IN YOUR GLOVE BOX

You alone are responsible for having your car repaired ... see that it's done right. The role of the Insurance Company is to collect premiums and pay claims. Naturally, they try to hold down claims as much as possible. Your responsibility is to yourself, it's your car, have your car repaired to your satisfaction by the shop of your choice. CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE BROCHURE TO PUT IN YOUR GLOVE BOX

There is a big difference in body shops. A low bid could reflect an incomplete job. When items like structural alignment are overlooked on an estimate, the consequences to the driver could be serious. An improperly repaired car, especially one with structural damage, is like a time bomb waiting to go off. Make sure every detail has been attended to and that your car is repaired to your complete satisfaction before signing any insurance company releases. CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE BROCHURE TO PUT IN YOUR GLOVE BOX

Be aware of the "appraisal clause" in your insurance policy. If the insurance company and the body shop cannot agree on what the repairs should cost, this could provide a means for fair settlement of your claim. CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE BROCHURE TO PUT IN YOUR GLOVE BOX

Do not ignore minor damage sustained in an accident. Letting a car go unrepaired will cost you in the long run. Dents and rust spots deduct from the resale or trade-in value of a car. You're going to pay for it eventually, so you might as well drive a car that's in first class condition now. CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE BROCHURE TO PUT IN YOUR GLOVE BOX

Some people do not notify their insurance company if the claim is small and there are no injuries. They do this when they are at fault so their insurance premium will not increase. But what happens if the person they hit claims a back injury six months later? Settling the claim yourself is very dangerous. At the very least use a release similar to this on the back of the check: "Acceptance of this check will constitute full and complete settlement of all claims involved in the accident of (date)". Follow all prescribed procedures when reporting an accident to your insurance company. Note the name of all insurance company representatives you talk with so you know who to contact if trouble develops. CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE BROCHURE TO PUT IN YOUR GLOVE BOX