I got in a car accident :(

Yup, I got rear-ended on the way home from work tonight. The traffic has gotten worse since the time changed due to daylight saving. I left work at a decent time today, ~5:30pm, at which time it was already pitch black outside. Stop-and-go traffic going 405 North, but the girl behind me didn't stop. I actually turned on my hazard lights at the last moment since I anticipated a quick halt, but she wasn't paying attention. I literally watched her hit me through my rearview mirror. Then I braced myself for the impact, dreading stiff neck and shoulder/back pain again. I was rear-ended another time 4.5 years ago, which resulted in neck/shoulder/back pain that has never healed 100%.

It wasn't as bad as it could have been. My bumper is scratched up, but no major injuries and both of us were able to continue driving our cars. However, during my call to the auto insurance company, I could feel tightening in my neck. Great. But the stiff neck was much worse during the first time I had gotten rear-ended (I couldn't turn my head). Anyhow, I guess time will tell if I have to return to physical therapy.

This girl must have been 18 years or so old, never been in an accident. She called her mom who told her to get the same story from me, then we both sign to give to our insurance companies. I said, "No. I've been in an accident. We exchange info, then report it to the insurance, who will deal with eachother." I had a AAA form in case of an accident, but I had already gone through this before. However, I found out that I didn't get all the information. Fortunately, this girl didn't lie about the info and she was a AAA member like me.

For future reference, information to exchange at the accident besides the accident details itself (date, time, location, road conditions, etc.):

• Full name
• Address
• Phone numbers (home, cell, and work- get more than one)
• Driver's license number
• Birthdate (I didn't know to get this)
• Auto insurance carrier
• Auto insurance policy number
• License plate number
• Car make and model and year
• VIN (I didn't know to get this, VIN never changes while anyone can change the license plate number)

This sounds like alot of information, but at least half of it is provided on the proof of insurance. I didn't know that we should have exchange that slip of paper, which would have saved some time and leave no room for distrust. I know I had to keep one in my car, but I didn't realize that's what the extra copies were for. Note: I ask to see his/her driver's license and insurance card to make sure they give the proper information. "Trust no one", especially where money is involved.

So now, I have the inconvenience of taking my car to a dealership for repair, but at least my coverage includes a car rental. I'm sure I will have more to blog about this, so stay tuned.

[Tags: car, accident, auto, insurance, policy, AAA, rear-end]