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Washington Insurance Council Offers Tips for Dealing With Auto Accidents

24 August 1999

Washington Insurance Council Offers Tips for Dealing With Auto Accidents

    SEATTLE, Aug. 24 -- Washington motorists drive more miles
during summer than at any other time of the year.  Nearly 40 percent of the
miles driven in Washington are logged in the generally sunny months from July
through October, according to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.  In
spite of the good driving conditions, more than one third of all auto
collisions take place during those same months.
    "Consumers can take a lot of the headache out of being involved in an auto
accident with some advance planning," says Karl Newman, Executive Director of
the Washington Insurance Council (WIC), a nonprofit insurance consumer
information organization.  "Knowing what to do immediately following an
accident and preparing ahead of time can save consumers stress, time and
money."

    Washington Insurance Council provides the following tips:
    Before an accident:

    * Keep a notebook and pen  in the glove compartment to help you record
      important information about the accident. You may also wish to
      include an inexpensive "throwaway" camera.

    * Keep the claim reporting phone number for your insurance company in
      your wallet or purse.

    * Always carry your vehicle registration and insurance card.

    * If you are allergic to certain medicines or require special medical
      attention, keep a medical alert card with you at all times -- whether
      you are the driver or a passenger.

    Immediately following an accident:

    * If anyone is injured, call for medical assistance immediately.
      Provide basic first aid, but don't move an injured person.  Wait for
      professional medical help.

    * If possible, move the vehicles out of the way of traffic.

    * Call the police and wait for them at the accident scene.

    * Write down these key facts:

         * Driver's license and vehicle license numbers

         * Insurance company name, policy number, agent phone number

         * Names, addresses, and phone numbers of all drivers and
           passengers


         * Take photos (from several angles) of the vehicles and the
           accident scene. Be sure to photograph the license plate of the
           other vehicle(s)

         * Make a rough sketch of the accident scene and note details of
           the accident such as time of day, road and weather conditions,
           street names and direction and speed of travel.

         * Call your insurance company to report the accident within
           24 hours if possible.

         * Get a copy of the police report.

         * Keep copies of all documents related to the accident.

    Consumers can receive a free copy of  these tips by calling the Washington
Insurance Council office at 206-624-3330 or 800-664-4942.
    Washington Insurance Council is a non-profit, consumer education
organization funded by member insurance companies and dedicated to helping
consumers understand and use insurance to protect themselves and their
property.  WIC has been serving insurance consumers in Washington state since
1968.