HUMBLE STUDENT (on phone): Diana, I've just been in a car accident.
Diana: Ouch, are you OK? HUMBLE STUDENT: Nothing broken, but all shook up, need your advice.
What do I do? Diana: Is your cell phone charged and do you have lots of writing paper? HUMBLE STUDENT: Yes, why? Diana: Because you have to call lots of people: an ambulance, the police, your insurance company.
HUMBLE STUDENT: But I'm not that hurt, and the car is only a little dinged.
Diana: Doesn't matter, CALL the ambulance, or go to a doctor right away, so you can file a medical claim you have to have a medical report.
Get a thorough checkup.
And also keep a record of all your symptoms in a diary, so get yourself a piece of paper for that.
AND KEEP THAT PAPER AND PENCIL HANDY.
HUMBLE STUDENT: Why? Diana: Because you have to get all the details of the other driver: name, address, telephone number, insurance details, vehicle registration and car make.
If there are pedestrians or passengers involved get their details too.
The more details the better! HUMBLE STUDENT: Yes, sir.
Diana: And do you have a digital camera in your cell phone? HUMBLE STUDENT: Yes, why? Diana: When you're done talking on the phone take lots of photographs of the accident scene.
This will help when you file your claim.
HUMBLE STUDENT: Warren, I was NOT at fault in this car accident, will I have to pay a lot? Diana: Usually the person who was at fault will have to get their insurance company to pay the bill for the car accident, so you shouldn't worry too much.
If the other person violated a law and caused the accident your case is going to be pretty strong.
If the claims are over 1000 pounds sterling, and you have to go to court to get this, your legal costs should be covered.
Your car should be repaired, at no cost to you.
You medical bills will probably be covered, and if there is psychology damage, that might be covered as well.
If you miss work you might be compensated for that as well.
HUMBLE STUDENT: Wow, I'm feeling better already.
Thanks Diana!