Maine Tourist Traffic, What to Do if You’re In a Fender Bender!
Long lines of stop and go traffic and a lot of road work can lead to fender benders. Here's a reminder of what to do if you're involved in a car accident:
- According to AAA, the VERY first thing that you need to do is to make sure that everyone is OK. Check any car damage after checking on your passengers, people in the other car and yourself! With adrenaline racing through your system you may not even realize that you're hurt.
- You only need to call the police if someone is hurt in the accident, if there is more than $1,000 damage to a vehicle or if the other person is wigging out and you are concerned for your safety.
- Don't open up yourself to liability by saying sorry. Harsh, I know, but that reflexive apology can be used as an admission of fault. Exchange information after checking that they are unhurt, call a tow truck if it's needed and let your insurer deal with the rest.
- Speaking of insurance companies, get them involved ASAP! Be honest with your insurance company if you were at fault, they are on your side and will handle it. If the other person was at fault call their insurer right away!
- Take pictures of absolutely everything; skidmarks on the road, a half eaten sandwich on the car seat that may have distracted them, stop signs or lights that they may have blown through and of course both cars.
Be safe out there!
Celeste