Picture this: you’re about to go home from a fun night out with your friends, only to discover that your parked car has somehow sustained damage. A broken taillight here, and scratches on the bumper there. It can easily ruin a night, especially if you just got your brand new car from Lincoln car dealers.
Any decent person would leave an apology note, promising to compensate for the damage caused to your vehicle, but that’s not always the case. Should you find yourself in this particular situation, always remember to take the following steps.
Stay and gather more information
Upon seeing that your vehicle has been hit, make sure to meticulously document the extent of the damage. Take photographs, no matter how big or small the damage might seem. It will save you a lot of trouble from your insurer later on. Apart from the damage in your car, also take note of the time and the location, as well as the weather conditions.
What if you caught the culprit in the act of wrecking your car? As tempting it is to chase that person, it could only lead to more troubles on your part. The best thing you can do is to stay at the scene and collect as much information as possible. You can even ask around, and someone might even point you to the culprit. Just make sure to ask for their contact details as well.
Call the police and your insurer
After collecting all the information you need, it’s time to file an official accident report with the police. This report is a crucial part of filing your insurance claim, as it serves as an official documentation of the incident. When obtaining a copy of the accident report, make sure to get the name and badge number of the officer who assisted you.
Once you’ve talked to the police, it’s time to notify your insurance company and begin the process of filing a claim. It’s important to call your insurer as soon as possible, while your memory of the incident is still fresh in your mind. This will help you answer your insurer’s questions clearly and comprehensively.
Who will cover the damages?
This is perhaps the most important question, and the answer ultimately depends on whether or not you were able to identify the person responsible for the damage.
In some states, the law requires the person at fault to make an effort in finding the owner of the car they damaged, or at least leave a note containing their contact details. If this person made the effort of reaching out, his or her insurance company would be able to cover for the damages when you file a third-party claim.
However, if the person simply ran off, you can rely on your own insurance company for compensation. Keep in mind, though, that you can only be covered based on the policies you’ve purchased.
More importantly, never lose your cool. Keep your calm, and keep these steps in mind so you can move forward from this incident. If you need to have your car repaired at Lincoln dealerships, make sure to check out Baldwin Lincoln car dealer in the New Orleans, LA area.