Tips on How to Handle an Out of State Accident on a Road Trip

Getting into an accident can be an extremely stressful event at the best of times. When you are in the middle of an out-of-state road trip, an accident can be downright devastating.  When you are in a new place, the likelihood of getting into an accident is increased, so, before you panic and start cold calling a collision repair center, here are a few things you need to know to help better handle an out-of-state road trip accident:

Check in on your insurance

Before taking off on your road trip, you should make a quick call to your insurance company to make sure you know what you are covered for while on the road. You are likely covered, but better to know beforehand than trying to find out while waiting in a collision repair center.

Read up on traffic laws

Even if it is just a quick little Google, knowing the traffic laws of the place you are heading will help you avoid sticky situations on the road. Keep an eye out for road signs, too, as laws vary from state to state.

Document thoroughly, immediately

If you get into an accident, it is important that you document everything in as much detail as you can, and to do so immediately. This is because it might be very difficult to go back and get all the required details. This documentation should include:

• Calling the police to make a police report made. (Make sure you get a copy of the report)
• You need to make sure that you get accurate contact and insurance information from the other driver. Also, write down their license plate number as well as the make and model of the car.
• Take lots of photos of the scene. Street signs, the cars, location landmarks, and people/witnesses in the area are all good things to document, especially if there is going to be a need for collision repairs.
• Talk with anyone that witnessed the accident so that you can get a witness statement from them later. Make sure to get accurate names and contact information.
• Before taking off to the collision repair center, or heading anywhere, try and write down exactly what happened the best you can.
• Ask the police, or witnesses for the location/name of a trusted collision repair center if you need immediate work done.