ANATOMY OF AN AUTO ACCIDENT

By

Gail A. Allen

 

Police will ask every person involved in the accident for:

1. Current car registration

2. Drivers’ license

3. Proof of insurance

Not having these 3 items at scene of accident will get you a ticket!

 

Vehicles towed from the scene the owner should:

• Request police officer to write on tow request form, where you want vehicle towed to.

• Ask tow company what’s the procedure if the repair shop is closed at time of tow.  

• Get a business card from the tow company taking your car.

• Call repair shop let them know who is towing your car to them.

• Ask repair shop to call once car has dropped off.

 

Need help finding your towed car?

• Ask repair shop to help locate car.

• Call the City, County, and State law enforcement agencies.

• Insurance Company

 

Turning in an insurance claim?

*Even if accident is not your fault*

v    Call your insurance agent or call the 24-hour claims office. 

v    Have following information for claims adjuster:

• Insurance policy number.

• All forms given you received at scene of accident by police.

• Where car was towed to, if applicable.

• Name of body shop, vehicle will be repaired at.

 

Releasing a towed/impound vehicle?

 

ALWAYS call the tow yard before heading down there!  Find out what their company procedures are before you the owner can: 

1. Look at your car

2. Collect personal belongings

3. Arrange to have moved to repair shop

4. Picking up vehicle

 

WHY YOU SHOULD

CHOOSE A TOW AND REPAIR COMPANY BEFORE SERVICES ARE NEEDED

1. You’ll know where vehicle went to from the scene

2. You’ll know how repair shop operates with your insurance company

3. You’ll car will have repairs started more quickly.

4. You like where your repairs are being done at!

 

WHY SHOULDN'T YOU
CHOOSE A TOW AND REPAIR COMPANY

1. It will never happen to you.

2. You enjoy added stress

3. There was nothing a value in the vehicle at time of accident.

4. You don’t care where your car was towed to.

 

Motorist Rights:

Arizona signed into law on May 14, 2004  House Bill #2468

 

Section 2. Title 20 chapter 2 article 6 AZ Revised Statutes, is amended by adding section 20-468, to read:  20-468 Policy holder choice of repair facility; conditions, cease and desist order, civil penalty

A.       For repair facilities other than glass repair facilities and subject to the rights of an insurer to receive notice or loss of claim consistent with the provisions of its policy.  A person in this state has the right to choose any repair facility for the repair of a motor vehicle loss.  If an insurer provides information about a repair facility, the insurer shall inform the person of this right at the same time as making the recommendation or providing the information.  This section does not create a private right or cause of action to or on behalf of any person.