The worst has happened. You have had an accident. What should you do?

• Notify your insurance company that you will be making a claim and fill in their forms with as much information about the accident as possible;
• Do not have the car repaired before agents from both your own insurance company and any other companies have had a chance to examine your car — the rule is you can only get the accident damage repaired — you cannot profit from the accident by having all the other knocks and scratches repaired;
• If you are injured, ask your physician to keep full records for the purposes of any legal claim — you should also be prepared to be examined by doctors representing other people involved in the accident — as with your car, you are only allowed to claim for injuries caused by the accident;
• If you have not already done so, get copies of the police reports;
• If you are sent a letter of claim or receive court proceedings, notify your insurers immediately; and
• Depending on the legal advice you receive, you may file a claim to recover direct, indirect and consequential damages for your injuries and damage to the car.

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