Insurance Term of the Day: Auto Accident Report Form
In this society, everything is documented. History has always been recorded; medical records kept on file, even sports games have statistics! Having documentation is crucial to keep facts straight and accurate. Have you ever had to record a significant event in your lifetime? Many of us have: it’s called a police auto accident report.
If the police come to the scene of an accident, they may provide an accident form to complete following the accident. Trying to fill out paperwork after a traumatic event may prove to be difficult. However, after reading more about what an accident report is for, you’ll understand why it’s an essential part of the process.
When filing a claim for your accident, your insurance company will need all of the information included in the accident report. Police will typically only come when there are serious injuries, or if drugs/alcohol were a cause of the accident. If the police did not come to the scene, you may find an accident report at your local DMV, or you can get one at your local police station.
Most auto accident report forms ask for the following information regarding the accident:
- All of your basic information: name, address, birthday, etc.
- Details regarding the accident must be written down, like the date, time, and location. Be very specific while explaining the location, especially if you aren’t familiar with the area. Include information like the intersection and any nearby land markers.
- It’s important that you document details about the weather conditions at the time of the accident.
- Vehicle information for both parties involved, including the year, make, and model of both cars. Write down the license plate number.
- Record as much information about the other driver as you can. Ask to take a look at their license and write down their name, address, drivers license number, date of birth, etc.
- Information for any passengers that were present at the time of the accident must be included as well.
- Include statements from witnesses, plus additional personal information of the witness as well.
Writing down the basic information is simple. Possibly the most difficult portion of an auto accident report is the section where you are asked to write a paragraph describing the accident in as much detail as you can. Reliving the accident in order to record the details can cause anxiety. Breathe deeply and take your time as you remember the event.
Take photos. With access to a camera, you have the ability to take photos of everything: the other party’s driver’s license, license plate, insurance card, as well as all damages to both vehicles. A clear, easy to read photo makes it easy to record the information for the report.
Remember this! The number one priority while filling out an auto accident report form is: accuracy!! Accuracy is crucial to avoid the costs of an inaccurate report.
