Thursday, April 3, 2008

THURSDAY 13 - THE WRECK

Today is a list of 13 things you should know if you are involved in a serious auto accident.
  1. OnStar is a very, very important thing to have!
  2. Be sure to send someone to get everything out of your car.
  3. Have them take pictures - you may need them for future insurance issues, etc.
  4. Have them take the plates off your car if it is totaled.
  5. Gap insurance is a good thing to have but be sure to keep ALL paperwork from your vehicle purchase - gap agreement, loan papers, window sticker off car with purchase price.
  6. Have numbers in your cell phone designated with I.C.E. (In Case of Emergency) so police/paramedics/hospital knows who to call.
  7. You will need access to a copy and fax machine as the insurance company, the bank, and possibly your attorney will need copies of everything. (You'll wish you had your own secretary to take care of all the paperwork.)
  8. Any personal property (car seats, cds, books, first aid kit, jumper cables, cell phones, cash) in your vehicle is NOT covered for loss or damage by your auto insurance. If it amounts to more than your deductible, it may be covered under your homeowners insurance.
  9. Your mailbox will be overflowing with "information" from personal injury attorneys! You may very well need an attorney, but choose carefully. We received full color catalog type brochures (that cost a fortune to produce), magnets, pens, etc. We decided on the guy who sent us a simple letter and the most helpful thing we received - a copy of the accident report.
  10. There are still good Samaritans out there. There are people who will help and people willing to be witnesses.
  11. Accept help when it is offered. First, you'll need more help than you expect. Second, prayers, hugs, and encouraging words from friends and family will sustain you.
  12. Look for the bright side. Anger and bitterness won't help you heal physically or emotionally. Hope, love and forgiveness will.
  13. Recovery (physical & emotional) may be a long process. Acknowledge God's sovereignty and take comfort from knowing that He is in control and that "all things work together for the good of those that love Him".

11 comments:

Colleen - Mommy Always Wins said...

Hi! Thanks for visiting my T13!

Just as an 'FYI' for your other readers, if you're in a car accident, you need to replace your car seats, regardless as to whether or not they look damaged. Good info to know! (Thank GOD I've never been in an accident like this!)

And I love your Thursday 13 graphic. Where did you get it and can I steal it? :O)

cindy kay said...

What a great list. But I hope I never need it!

Anonymous said...

Great list and so important for people to know!
God is so good to keep His hand on us especially in situations like those.

Di said...

I can't believe that people choose their attorney from those obnoxious flyers that promise BIG payoffs, etc.

Montserrat said...

Wow! Thanks for sharing the knowledge you gained from your unfortunate experience. I never knew about designating phone numbers as I.C.E. I'm going to do that one today!

Pretty Life Online said...

Great list here! Happy TT! Hope you'll visit mine too...

Lori Watson said...

Yikes, those pictures look scary. Thanks for all the info. I had heard of the I.C.E. 3's but haven't done it yet. Sigh. Maybe I should just do it!
A friend left her cell phone at a store and they called the last number she had dialed. I wonder if they'd do that for those who don't have the I.C.E. 3's?
Thanks for stopping by!

2nd Cup of Coffee said...

You should publish this list in a magazine, esp. since it's a first-hand story. People like lists. Seriously, you should submit it.

anthonynorth said...

Good advice there.

msdebbiea said...

So thankful you, Rocky and Christy are still with us to enjoy more life~~ a true life-changing experience I'm sure.
GREAT reference list~~thanks for your insight!

Melanie said...

What a good, informative list. I hope I never have to refer back to it though.