Comments on: Be organized after an auto accident

By: Michael

Michael — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 07:35:38 +0000

My insurance company used to give out similar worksheets, complete with a place to draw a sketch of an intersection and guidelines to help you draw it. It is a shame that they don’t produce such work anymore.

However, as I learned in an accident, make sure you do two things:
1. Call the police. They are the only ones who can file and actual report, and even without a report they are definitely a uninterested third party that either insurance company can contact. This may vary from state to state though.
2. Get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses. They are invaluable because otherwise it’s your word against theirs.

By: Amy

Amy — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 04:15:20 +0000

I think the camera is a great idea. I had an accident and forgot my phone had a camera on it and did not get much needed pictures. I read that you should get out of the traffic as soon as possible, but it should have said “as soon as pictures are taken.” Trust me!

By: Brianna

Brianna — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 00:11:39 +0000

I would recommend to add a section for weather conditions. It can be helpful to know if it was raining or sunny and also to know if you were driving towards the sun (which can cause a glare).

By: Luc-Rock Paquin

Luc-Rock Paquin — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 17:58:01 +0000

The Insurance Bureau of Canada also offers a Collision Report Form (http://www.ibc.ca/en/Car_Insurance/documents/brochure/Accident_Report_Form.pdf).

Personally, I really like the Quebec version, which is called a “Joint Report” (http://www.infoassurance.ca/en/documents/joint_report.pdf).

By: Chris

Chris — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 17:43:51 +0000

Since I have a hipsterPDA, it was very helpful when I got rear ended on the daycare run to school, and even gave the person who hit me some cards to write down my contact information on.

I also keep a disposable camera in the car in case there’s damage. I’d recommend swapping a new camera out on occasion just to make sure the film is good. I’ll use the camera in a pinch when visiting with friends and replace it with a fresh one at my next visit to the store.

By: Erin at Unclutterer

Erin at Unclutterer — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 16:17:35 +0000

@Janice–There is a place on the form to collect data from witnesses

By: Erin at Unclutterer

Erin at Unclutterer — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 16:16:36 +0000

@mamacita–The typo has been fixed.

By: Janice

Janice — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 16:11:37 +0000

Another tip is to write down the license plate numbers of other drivers on scene who may have witnessed the accident — even if you are not able to get their names. This was recommended by the officer investigating my accident where the other driver’s story started to change. The police can follow up with these drivers if needed to confirm the sequence of events.

By: mamacita

mamacita — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 15:40:39 +0000

I hate to be the resident obsessive-compulsive, but somebody has to do it: on the worksheet, could you change “License Place Number” to “License Plate Number?” I’ll go back to counting the number of tiles in my ceiling now

By: Andrea

Andrea — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 15:35:41 +0000

My insurance company used to give out a similar worksheet. I’ve been involved in several accidents over the years and they have made all the difference! If you can’t recall the details to support your story, you’re done. They also included a “what to do in an accident” card which I followed when I was too rattled to think straight. Again, it was an enormous help.

By: Ed Eubanks Jr.

Ed Eubanks Jr. — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 13:51:33 +0000

As for the camera: the low-quality digital cameras built into most mobile phones these days serve this purpose adequately. In fact, it is the only rationale for having/using such cameras that I can conceive of, given their poor quality and general lack of features. (I’m always shocked to see people using these at graduations, for vacation photos, etc.)