How to properly fill out an accident report to preserve your rights ?
After an accident, it is crucial to correctly fill out the accident report. In a state of shock, it's important to remain calm to avoid future complications. A poorly filled out report can lead to inconvenience and potentially affect your rights.
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Here are 10 essential tips to protect your interests:
1. Pre-fill your personal information (boxes 6 to 8) to save time after the accident.
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2. Be clear and legible in your descriptions to avoid any confusion (avoid erasures and overwriting).
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3. Seek a mutual agreement and ensure that both parties sign the report.
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4. In case of disagreement, note the other driver's information and fill out your section. Consider involving the police if necessary.
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5. Contact the police if the accident resulted in injuries.
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6. If you dispute the other party's version, mention it in box 14 ("My Observations").
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7. Collect contact information of witnesses if available. Their absence of mention can weaken your position.
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8. Blanc sections can be contested or denied later. Make sure to mention all important details from the start.
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9. Verify the other party's information, especially the license plate number and insurance details using the green card.
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10. Follow the recommendations on the back of the report for complete coverage.
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π‘ A well-filled accident report is your first line of defense in case of a dispute. Taking the time to complete it meticulously can save you a lot of trouble.