When you first get your driver’s license, the last thing on the mind of an eager young driver is a car wreck. However, they do happen. At some point in life, almost all of us will experience a crash of some sort. Things happen.
Distracted driving is at an all-time high and the technology to help us drive less handicapped is either too expensive or simply hasn’t made it to us, yet. People, in general, are getting less sleep making for slower reaction times and then there are those who are just plain inexperienced.
Whatever the case, at least 8 out of 10 of us will wreck our car at some point in life. After all is said and done and everyone is ok or being taken care of, there are a few things that will have to have some attention. Below are three of them.
Document Everything
If you have ever been in any type of legal situation before, then you understand the need to document everything. Your insurance company is not usually a direct witness of the collision and thus needs proof of everything that you are requesting coverage for.
First and foremost, whatever you do, never leave the scene of an accident. This will negate your case and is very illegal. Make sure to take pictures of everything and everyone. Even if you don’t think it’s pertinent to the case. Get photos of your car from every angle you can. Make sure to showcase the damage. Make sure to document any injuries, as well.
Then, get as many pictures as you can of the other vehicle or any damaged property that was involved in the wreck. Take note of the time and exact place of the wreck, who was driving and any passengers involved, the loss of any personal effects, and the time police and ambulance drivers arrived.
Have Your Car Towed
The next thing to take care of on your agenda will be to move your car out of the way and transport it to a garage where it can be fixed or somewhere it can be scrapped. If the damage to your car is lite enough and it is still operational, you may drive it home in most cases. If not, most major insurances cover the use of a towing service.
Hopefully, this is a company you are already acquainted with and know the ins and outs of. If not, take the time now, before you need their services, and do a little research. Talk to family and friends and see who they recommend. Check out reviews from customers of several services. Check and compare pricing.
While many towing services have a generally good reputation, there’s simply no sense in overpaying if your insurance company does not cover a tow truck. While you’re at it, check to see what other events the towing company will service. Do they have a locksmith on call or a way to help you jump your car off?
A Ride in the Meantime
The last thing on this list is to find a ride in the meantime. Let’s say the damage was significant and the repairs to your car are going to take at least two weeks. You still have to get the kids to school, grocery shop, get to work, and run all your other errands. Friends and family are usually very helpful in a predicament like this, but they have lives, too.
There will be some times when they just can’t be there to help. Why not save them the trouble and just rent a car. If you chose your insurance company well, they will provide one for you anyway. Take advantage of it. Afterall, you’re the one paying the monthly premium. If by chance, you are not lucky enough to have a policy that covers a rental while your car is in the shop, you have a couple of options.
If you live in a city with public transportation, you can utilize it to get back and forth to your destinations. You could also invest in the local cab service or services such as Lyft and Uber, but these can be expensive. The option that seems to work the best for most is to rent an inexpensive vehicle until the repairs are done. Most places will work with to the best of their ability.
Having a car wreck is an unfortunate event in life, to say the least. Use the tips above to make sure it’s not any more stressful than it has to be.
