FYI from FWI: So someone just hit your car, now what?

1.     My car is damaged in a collision caused by someone else. Do I:

a.     File a property damage claim with my own insurance company.

b.     File a property damage claim with the other driver’s insurance company.

Answer: 

you can do either; however, answer b (filing with the other driver’s insurance) will save you from having to pay your deductible.

2.     Which of the following isn’t necessary for me to do at the scene of a collision caused by another driver?

a.     Call the police.

b.     Obtain the other driver’s name, address, and telephone number.

c.     Obtain the other driver’s insurance company.

d.     Take note of any statements made by the other driver to you or anyone else at the scene admitting fault.

e.       If the driver is not the owner of the vehicle they are in, obtain the owner’s name, address, telephone number, and insurance company.

f.       Obtain the name, address, and telephone number of any witnesses to the accident.

g.      Take photos of the scene and damage with your cell phone.

h.      Seek immediate medical attention if you are feeling pain.

i.       All of the above are necessary.

Answer:  i. All of the above are necessary

3.     The driver who caused the collision and caused my injuries doesn’t have proof of auto insurance at the scene, do I:

a.     Call FWI so they can investigate whether the other driver does or doesn’t have insurance that could cover my damages.

b.     Call FWI so they can investigate whether I have uninsured (“UM”) coverage in my own auto policy, which could cover my damages.

c.     Call FWI so they can investigate whether I have medical payments coverage (“med pay”) in my own auto policy, which could help with my medical care.

d.     Nothing. If the other driver caused the collision and doesn’t have insurance, I am out of luck.

e.     A, B, and C.

Answer:  e. A, B, and C.

4.     I am injured in a car collision that wasn’t my fault but I don’t have any health insurance. Should I:

a.     Refuse medical treatment and ignore my injuries.

b.     Seek medical treatment right away and then call FWI.

c.     Have FWI determine if I have medical payments coverage in my own auto insurance policy to help with my medical treatment.

d.     Call FWI and see if they can help me find medical providers that will provide medical treatment to me now but will agree to hold off on getting paid until FWI reaches a settlement for me.

e.     Get medical treatment and the other driver’s insurance will pay my doctor right away.

f.      b, c, and d.

Answer: F. It is important to get medical treatment right away if you are injured in a car collision caused by someone else. We can help you determine how to pay for it. It is important to note that the other driver’s insurance company will not pay for your medical treatment while you are treating. They may reach a final settlement with you once you are done treating, which takes your medical bills into consideration; however, FWI will assist you in getting treatment while you are waiting for the settlement.