Make Sure Everyone is Safe <\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\nPull your vehicle out of traffic if possible. If it\u2019s even the least bit responsive, steer to the shoulder of the road or onto a quiet nearby side street. Now take a mental inventory of yourself and your passengers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Does anyone look or act seriously injured? Don\u2019t move anyone who might be hurt. Instead, immediately call 911. If no one is physically affected by the incident, get them safely out of the vehicle and to a safe place at the side of the road or as far from traffic as you can get them. Be especially careful if you\u2019re with small children. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re suspicious of the other party or it\u2019s late at night and there isn\u2019t much traffic around you, it might be a better decision to stay in your vehicle with doors locked and contact authorities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Call the Police <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Depending on where you are, the police might respond right away – or eventually. You want to receive an official police report even if you\u2019re at fault for the accident (which you won\u2019t admit to anyone at this time). If you\u2019re in Fresno, either dial 911 or call the police department\u2019s non-emergency number<\/a> at (599) 621-7000. Make your decision as to which number you should call based on your sense of risk or urgency. <\/p>\n\n\n\nOne reason you want the police to show up even for minor contact is that you might need a credible witness if the other driver or a passenger in that vehicle shows signs of neck or back injury. It could be legitimate, but it could also be someone exaggerating symptoms for a lawsuit that could involve you and your insurer. The police will be able to make an expert judgment of behavior. You\u2019ll need to be able to show proof of insurance<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nYour insurance company will also want to see a copy of a police report for the purpose of either covering your claim or getting the other party\u2019s insurer to do so. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Exchange Contact Information With the Other Driver\u2026Maybe <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Assuming that the other party isn\u2019t a hit-and-run driver or someone who immediately left the scene, try to exchange names, phone numbers, and insurance company information<\/a> with them. The easiest way to get most of this information would be to take smartphone photos of each other\u2019s driver\u2019s licenses. <\/p>\n\n\n\nBut again, if you feel that you should avoid the other party for any reason, trust your instincts! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Make a Record of the Accident <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Take phone photos of the accident damage to your vehicle and the other driver\u2019s damage and license plate. If you have the foresight to snap a few photos of a hit-and-run vehicle, that can be valuable, too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"person](\"https:\/\/www.costulessdirect.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/what-to-do-after-a-car-accident-.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nGet a Copy of the Police Report <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When the police arrive, answer all of their questions calmly and completely. Describe the accident as you remember it and get a copy of that all-import police report. This is what you\u2019ll share with your insurance claims investigator. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Save Your Receipts <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Depending on the condition of your vehicle, you might have to call for a tow truck and\/or a cab or rideshare. If you or a passenger must be examined at a hospital or taken by ambulance, that too will involve unexpected costs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now is not the time for you to try to figure out what costs you can pass on to your insurance agent or the other party. Simply save each receipt from every transaction that can even be remotely tied back to your car accident. Let others help you sort out what\u2019s important and what\u2019s not – in less stressful times. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Contact Your Auto Insurance Company <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019ll want to take this important step just as soon as possible. Your insurance claims representative can help put your mind at ease and get you back on the road quickly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your coverage is through Cost-U-Less, simply call your Service Representative<\/a> at (866) 505-6767. You\u2019ll receive friendly and comprehensive step-by-step instructions for proceeding. <\/p>\n\n\n\nPrepare Ahead of Time <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
All of the advice up to this point has dealt with the steps you should take \u201cin the heat of the moment,\u201d so to speak. But there\u2019s plenty you can do even before an accident to help you respond as smoothly and efficiently as possible if or when the time comes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019ll probably be rattled after you\u2019ve had a car accident, even if it\u2019s just a fender bender. So that\u2019s not the ideal time to figure out websites and phone numbers. Make sure you post the non-emergency Fresno police phone number in your phone and either keep your car insurance company\u2019s claims phone number in your phone or carry a business card in your purse or wallet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s also critical that you have adequate car insurance<\/a> so that your finances won\u2019t be top of mind, even if your car is totaled. <\/p>\n\n\n\nYou\u2019ll notice that your smartphone plays a vital part in all of these steps, whether you\u2019re using it as a phone, a camera, or as a directory for important numbers. So make sure you have this valuable tool with you at all times – and that it\u2019s fully charged. If you\u2019re taking a long trip, you should have your charger with you and the ability to recharge your phone in your car. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you don\u2019t have a dependable mobile phone, your job just got a lot more challenging. You might have to hope the other driver has a phone or wait for a police car to just happen to roll by. Don\u2019t get caught in that position. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Call Cost-U-Less for Dependable Coverage Even in Stressful Times<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\nAt Cost-U-Less, we won\u2019t just sell you car insurance<\/a>. We\u2019ll be there at times like this when you need us most. If you don\u2019t already have Cost-U-Less coverage in Fresno, California, call an independent insurance agent today at (866) 505-6767 or get an online quote or one by phone<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
One reason you want the police to show up even for minor contact is that you might need a credible witness if the other driver or a passenger in that vehicle shows signs of neck or back injury. It could be legitimate, but it could also be someone exaggerating symptoms for a lawsuit that could involve you and your insurer. The police will be able to make an expert judgment of behavior. You\u2019ll need to be able to show proof of insurance<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Your insurance company will also want to see a copy of a police report for the purpose of either covering your claim or getting the other party\u2019s insurer to do so. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Assuming that the other party isn\u2019t a hit-and-run driver or someone who immediately left the scene, try to exchange names, phone numbers, and insurance company information<\/a> with them. The easiest way to get most of this information would be to take smartphone photos of each other\u2019s driver\u2019s licenses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But again, if you feel that you should avoid the other party for any reason, trust your instincts! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Take phone photos of the accident damage to your vehicle and the other driver\u2019s damage and license plate. If you have the foresight to snap a few photos of a hit-and-run vehicle, that can be valuable, too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When the police arrive, answer all of their questions calmly and completely. Describe the accident as you remember it and get a copy of that all-import police report. This is what you\u2019ll share with your insurance claims investigator. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on the condition of your vehicle, you might have to call for a tow truck and\/or a cab or rideshare. If you or a passenger must be examined at a hospital or taken by ambulance, that too will involve unexpected costs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Now is not the time for you to try to figure out what costs you can pass on to your insurance agent or the other party. Simply save each receipt from every transaction that can even be remotely tied back to your car accident. Let others help you sort out what\u2019s important and what\u2019s not – in less stressful times. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll want to take this important step just as soon as possible. Your insurance claims representative can help put your mind at ease and get you back on the road quickly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If your coverage is through Cost-U-Less, simply call your Service Representative<\/a> at (866) 505-6767. You\u2019ll receive friendly and comprehensive step-by-step instructions for proceeding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n All of the advice up to this point has dealt with the steps you should take \u201cin the heat of the moment,\u201d so to speak. But there\u2019s plenty you can do even before an accident to help you respond as smoothly and efficiently as possible if or when the time comes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll probably be rattled after you\u2019ve had a car accident, even if it\u2019s just a fender bender. So that\u2019s not the ideal time to figure out websites and phone numbers. Make sure you post the non-emergency Fresno police phone number in your phone and either keep your car insurance company\u2019s claims phone number in your phone or carry a business card in your purse or wallet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s also critical that you have adequate car insurance<\/a> so that your finances won\u2019t be top of mind, even if your car is totaled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll notice that your smartphone plays a vital part in all of these steps, whether you\u2019re using it as a phone, a camera, or as a directory for important numbers. So make sure you have this valuable tool with you at all times – and that it\u2019s fully charged. If you\u2019re taking a long trip, you should have your charger with you and the ability to recharge your phone in your car. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you don\u2019t have a dependable mobile phone, your job just got a lot more challenging. You might have to hope the other driver has a phone or wait for a police car to just happen to roll by. Don\u2019t get caught in that position. <\/p>\n\n\n\n At Cost-U-Less, we won\u2019t just sell you car insurance<\/a>. We\u2019ll be there at times like this when you need us most. If you don\u2019t already have Cost-U-Less coverage in Fresno, California, call an independent insurance agent today at (866) 505-6767 or get an online quote or one by phone<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nExchange Contact Information With the Other Driver\u2026Maybe <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Make a Record of the Accident <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nGet a Copy of the Police Report <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Save Your Receipts <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Contact Your Auto Insurance Company <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Prepare Ahead of Time <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Call Cost-U-Less for Dependable Coverage Even in Stressful Times<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n