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
Got in and out for an oil change fast!
Shannon kelly, 03/03/2020
Honest, trustworthy and professional are the words that come to mind when I think of 360 AutoCare. 100% recommend for your car service needs.
The service was excellent!
Great place!
Paula Leomar , 01/01/2020
They are so helpful! They didn't over charge for things and were very considerate of my needs and refinancing, even if that meant recommending I go to the dealership. I will definitely use them again and refer them to everyone! As a single mom I've been ripped off before. It's great to know companies like this exist. Also had great customer service and throughly explained everything!
Went in with my own oil to get changed and while discussing an upcoming transmission flush I want done, they told me to call in a day early to give them time to flush their system so they don't contaminate my transmission fluid. Their care for my car (Higher performance) earned all my business on the spot! Great group of courteous guys! I'll review again after the transmission flush on the 21st.
Chad Miranda - Brentwood, CA
These guys are awesome! It's a local shop down the street with familiar faces and names. I'm a huge supporter of small or local businesses as it is a rare commodity to find one ran so well in comparison to the big corporations/competition all over the place. I live right across the street from Walmart and it would be easier to take my car there, however you can never get the type of genuine customer care that the staff of 360 Auto delivers. And they deliver every time!
360 is the best shop around!! The staff are wonderful and helpful. They give you honest answers and no surprises. The ship is always clean and well kept.
Love them, they treat u as family and never charge extra. Work perfectly. I would recommend them to anyone. Worth to come even from far.
The people at 360 are great people to deal with. This is one place that is fast, honest and the prices are very reasonable without no hidden fees. They are very professional. I remember the very first time i walked in the door I was treated with respect and not ignored because I am a female and it is like that every time I walk in there. Sam has always let me know what was wrong with my car and done the work in a timely fashion without overcharging. If your looking for a Honest, Reliable, Efficient and Reasonably price then this is the place to take your car. Thank you Sam and your crew for the Excellent work and taking good care of my car.
Honest. Friendly. Fast. Reliable. (Mic dropped)
This is the best company in town hands down. Sam and his workers are very helpful and friendly. I would recommend them to anyone with car trouble. They work hard to figure out what's wrong with your car. Fix it and have you on your way at affordable prices.. You will not be disappointed.
Very nice people, honest and they do good job in my car , prices are reasonable, they work fast !
