How to Respond in a Tough Situation
Being in a car accident is the last thing anyone wants - but when it does
happen, there are ways of making sure that the legal and insurance issues
are handled with as little stress as possible.
- First of all - stay calm.
- If someone is injured, be sure to call for medical
help.
- Make sure you call the police.
- Don't publicly make any statements where you either
accuse the other person of causing the accident or take all the blame
yourself. It could open you up to legal problems.
- Whatever you do, don't leave the scene until you've had
a chance to talk with the officer and you've gotten their name. It's
important to make sure that your side of the story goes on the record.
Afterward, it's a good idea to get a copy of the police report.
- Make sure you have a pre-printed copy of your insurance
information in the glove compartment, along with a camera you can use to
provide pictures for the insurance company. A disposable camera with a
flash for nighttime or interior shooting is usually best for this.
- In dealing with the other driver, make sure you get
their name, address, driver's license number and insurance information - and
that they get the same information from you.
- Also, make sure to get information from any witnesses
as well.
- Make sure you get pictures of any physical evidence of
what could have caused the accident.
- Write down pertinent details such as where the accident
took place, what the weather was like, etc.
- Once the information's exchanged, report the accident
to the insurance company immediately, even if it's not your
fault.
- Make sure you understand how you're covered, and don't
be afraid to ask the insurance company to explain the conditions of your
coverage and payments.
- Don't be afraid to seek legal advice - and don't sign
anything if you don't understand it.
- When you're using a body shop to get repairs to your
vehicle, be aware that the insurance company can recommend a shop, but you
are under no legal obligation to use its services. You have the legal right
to choose the shop to do your repairs.
- Also be aware that insurance companies sometimes try to
dictate what type of parts are used in a vehicle's repair. They might
insist that a shop not use Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts, as
they are more expensive.
You have a right to know what kind of parts are being used on your vehicle,
and to know if your insurance policy dictates what kind of parts can be used
in your car. If your policy lets you choose, you have the right to decide
for yourself.
- An insurance company also has the right to inspect your
vehicle, but it is not required to do so. In addition, they cannot require
you to visit one of their own claim centers.
- And finally: Make sure you learn from this accident,
but also let yourself move on from what happened. Everyone has an accident
once in a while - it's just something that happens.
Remember - Drive Safely!
Want more information on your rights? To make an appointment, call us at
925-757-3000 or make an appointment
online!
What People Say About Us
Best Mechanic shop in town go see Sam he and his team are the best and honest mechanics you will ever meet! I had to inspect getting a new serpentine by and they recommended a few ideas and we ended up changing the belt to a brand new one and my noise problem on my 2011 Suzuki Sedan went away. Was holding off on buying a new car for at least 1 more year and Sam made sure that everything in my car was fine to drive. I came here a few times in the past and got recommended from a tow truck driver to see these guys instead of Firestone, top grade quality mechanics you will not find anyone better around the city! Thank you 360 for all your help
I went to them about my jaguar. Due to me having someone else work on it. They gave me the most honest answer. They said due to the fact you had someone else work on it we can not go over another mechanic works. I knew then that is the shop I will deal with. Because they chose honesty over money. That honor that is pride in my opinion that is the shop for me my new Antioch California family since my relocation from Frisco. This is keeping it ??# T.Lowe from RBL posse.
Tishan T.Lowe, 04/25/2021
Sam, who runs this place with his brother, is generous with his time -- didn't make my husband and me feel rushed when we called him (more than once) to ask his advice. And he gladly diagnosed the problem gratis -- that's way more than the vast majority of shops will do. Competent, honest -- 360 Auto knows how to build a loyal customer base.
Rowena Gonden, 04/21/2021
Excellent customer service. Fast, friendly, honest and professional! Thank you!
They are always nice and efficient.
