Auto Repair For A Fender-bender
It has happened to some of the best drivers. You look away for a split second and suddenly you are colliding with the car in front of you. You thought traffic had started moving or you looked away to check the time, send a text message or look at traffic across the street. There are no good explanations as to why it happens. The problem lies in the fact that it happened and now you have to deal with it.
There is certain basic protocol when dealing with the repercussions of rear-ending someone. The first most basic step is to get safely off the road or as far to the side of the road as you can. This will allow for traffic to continue flowing while you wait for police to arrive. Moving to a parking lot or to the side of the road will keep all passengers safe.
While assessing the damage to the vehicles, make sure you are aware of your surroundings. The last thing you want to have happen is a secondary accident causing further auto repair or physical harm to one of the two parties. Check to make sure you and the other party are physically okay. If everyone seems to be physically fine, then there is no need to call an ambulance. When you call the emergency number, you can merely ask for police assistance.
When police arrive on the scene, they will assess the damage and give a gauge of how much auto repair will be needed for each vehicle. In some states, when the damage is light and it appears everyone is physically fine, the police will give the parties an option to claim a "non-reportable accident". This means that police are acknowledging that insurance does not need to get involved initially and that there is no need for a proper police report.
If a police officer suggests this option, the two parties can agree to exchange basic information and settle the damages outside of insurance. The party at-fault will pay for the auto repair of the other vehicle. It is important for the at-fault party to insist on a reputable business' written estimate of the necessary repairs.
All parties need to agree on the estimate amount and a cashier's check can be given by the at-fault party to cover the damages to property. A simple document should be signed stating that the after the check has been paid, all parties will consider a settlement reached and no further contact will be necessary.
An important thing that both parties need to consider is what to do if the amount of the estimate is more than either party's insurance deductible. When this is the case, it is better to call the police department and have a formal report written that can be turned into insurance.
Auto repair in the case of a minor damage fender-bender can be complicated. Knowing the protocol will help you in the future.
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