Risky Business

Avoiding an Accident

Hi Everyone,

"The best way to to protect yourself from an accident is to avoid one"...sound familiar?  It makes simple sense, and we've all heard it before.  As professional drivers, you know better than anyone how crazy it can be out there.

Bad drivers, poor roads, construction challenges and weather conditions can make avoiding an accident even more difficult.  You do everything possible to protect yourself, including maintaining your vehicle in top notch condition.

But what if you did everything possible and STILL you are involved in an accident?  You couldn't avoid it, so now you need to avoid problems that come up AFTER the accident.

First, make sure everyone is out of harms way of other vehicles adding to the fray.  Flashers on, call for rescue, road flares, etc.

Get a police report if at all possible.  As you probably know, this is sometimes easier said than done.  Several states like California will often ask if everyone's OK, then simply advise that everyone exchange insurance info, and "Good Luck".

Well, now it's time to remember some other sayings that can save you a lot of grief.  Remember, "A picture is worth a thousand words?"  USE that camera in your phone and take pictures of the scene, the vehicles involved, location and anything than could be helpful for someone else to "see" what happened in the future.

Call your insurance company's 1.800 number that operates 24/7, and explain the accident, have the other driver explain their side...WHILE YOU'RE BOTH THERE.  The calls are taped, which is why it's important to clearly tell your side...stories have a tendency to change later. 

Protect yourself and your rights, and be safe.  We can repair or replace vehicles, but we can't replace you!  Nothing saddens me more than to learn I've lost one of my guys in an accident.

Shelly Benisch, CIC w/ CIS  [email protected]     www.MyCISagent.com    866.864.1511