3 Things
You Must Do BEFORE Your Auto Accident
By Kelly Vickers, JD
Car Crash Expert
Statistically, it’s not a matter of “if” you’ll be in a crash. Even the most careful driver will be involved in a significant crash at least once. I’ve met people that have a crash or two per year—that weren’t their fault. The best time to minimize the impact a crash can have on your life is before it happens. These three things will make all the difference:
1. Cover YOU and your passengers with the right insurance. Don’t pick an insurance company based on who has the cheapest rate. Find out which companies pay without hassle and treat you with respect when the time of need occurs. Fortunately, many companies who have good rates, like State Farm, Geico and Progressive, AND are caring and more generous than others when you’ve been in a crash—even when it’s your fault. In my state, New Mexico, nearly one out of three drivers don’t have insurance, plus we have a problem with hit and runs, so make certain that YOU will be covered. NEVER waive uninsured motorist coverage and ALWAYS BUY MEDPAY. MedPay covers you and your passenger’s medical bills quickly and in full—even if the crash is your fault. MedPay is crucial is you want alternative medical care such as massage, chiropractic, counseling or acupuncture. Some clinics, like Masterpiece Integrative Medicine in Albuquerque, will provide care with no co-pay when MedPay is available. Finally, choose the highest insurance limits you can afford.
2. You need a crash kit. Put two copies of all the docs (license, registration, proof of insurance, contact info) you would need to give the police and the other driver in an envelope in the glovebox. Even in a little crash you’ll be dazed and grateful this info is all together and easy to find. Keep a flashlight, camera, knife and notepad handy as well as a spare cellphone—yes, a spare: every phone, even without a service contract, will call 911. Keep an old phone in the glovebox with a charger. I also keep a blanket, water and snacks in the trunk, along with a basic toolkit.
3. Be a “zen” driver. Slow down, take a breath, put some space between you and the next car, and be aware of what your options would be if the car in front of you came to a sudden stop. Minimize distractions as you drive, choose a car with a good crash rating, and wear your seatbelt. Did you ever notice that the dumb kid who impatiently races around you on the road ends up right beside you again at the next light? Yeah, not worth it.
I deal daily with people whose lives have been painfully and rudely disrupted by an auto accident. Doing these three things will minimize the loss for you and your passengers when a crash happens.
