NEWS BRIEF
Pinching Insurance Pennies Can Help Consumers Tighten Their Belts in Bad Economy
July 31, 2008 — It’s estimated that most consumers could save more than 20% on insurance if they took simple steps such as raising deductibles, comparison shopping and taking advantage of discounts. More...
Rocky Mountain Insurance Information
NEWS
6565 South Dayton St. #2400, Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111
Serving Colorado, New Mexico, Utah & Wyoming
Contact: Carole Walker, Executive Director
(303) 790-0216 or 1-800-355-9524
Release Date: Immediately
Topic: Traffic Safety
SEPTEMBER 13TH MARKES THE 101ST ANNIVERSARY OF THE COUNTRY'S FIRST TRAFFIC DEATH—SIGNALING THE BEGINNING OF AN "EPIDEMIC" THAT HAS COST 30 MILLION LIVES.
September 12, 2000— On September 13, 1899, Henry H. Bliss was knocked down and run over by an automobile on Central Park West at 74th Street in New York City. It was the first recorded traffic fatality in a nation where just 101 years later someone dies on our roadways every 12 minutes and about 114 people die in crashes every day. According to the New York Times account of the death, Bliss, "a real estate dealer," exited a trolley car and turned to assist a woman out of the car. Bliss was hit by a passing electric automobile that was being driven by the chauffeur of a prominent New York physician. Bliss later died at Roosevelt Hospital.
The automobile has transformed America, but it has also killed and injured millions of people. Motor vehicle crashes are now the leading cause of death for people age 1-34 and since that September day in 1899, some 30 million people worldwide have died in traffic crashes.
CRASH FACTS
- Each year there are approximately 35 million auto accidents in the U.S.
- Colorado averages about 150-thousand police-reported accidents annually.
- A fatal crash occurs every 12 minutes and an injury occurs every 14 seconds.
- 41, 345 people died in motor vehicle crashes in 1999.
- 628 people died on Colorado roadways in 1998.
- Auto accidents cost an estimated $150 billion dollars annually.
THE ROAD AHEAD
While traffic deaths have skyrocketed along with the number of automobiles clogging the nation’s roadways, there is some good news to report. In response to a variety of factors, the number and rate of crash deaths are at all time lows. 41, 345 Americans were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 1999, down 0.3 percent from 41, 471 in 1998. The crash death rate—the number of people killed per 100 million vehicle miles traveled—fell to 1.5 in 1999. Motor vehicles are safer because of design improvements; air bags and seat belts provide greater crash protection; the driving population is maturing; and states have enacted laws to restrict young drivers (Colorado passed graduated driver’s licensing last year), screen elderly drivers, and deter drunk driving. Drivers have contributed to the reduction in fatalities by buying vehicles with good safety ratings.
The Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association offers the following tips for drivers involved in motor vehicle crashes:
STEERING THROUGH AN AUTO ACCIDENT INSURANCE CLAIM
At the Scene:
- Stop your car and get help for the injured.
- Have someone call the police or State Patrol. Tell them how many people were injured and the types of injuries. The police can then notify the nearest medical unit.
- Give whatever help you can to the injured but avoid moving anyone.
Provide law enforcement with whatever information they require. Ask the investigating officer where you can obtain a copy of the police report. You will probably need it when you submit your insurance claim. - Try to protect the accident scene. Take reasonable steps to protect your car from further damage, such as setting up flares, getting the car off the road and calling a tow truck. But remember, your insurance company probably will want an adjuster to inspect it and appraise the damage before you order repair work.
- Make notes. Keep a pad and pencil in the glove box. Write down the names and addresses of all drivers and passengers involved in the accident. Also, note the license number, make and model of each car involved and record the driver’s license number and insurance identification. Record the names and addresses of as many witnesses as possible, as well as the names and badge numbers of police officers or other emergency personnel.
- If you hit an unattended vehicle or object, try to find the owner. If you can’t, leave a note with your name, address and phone number.
- Record the details of the accident.
After the Crash:
- Phone your insurance agent or local company representative. Do it as soon as possible even if you’re far from home and even if someone else caused the accident.
- Ask your agent how to proceed and what forms or documents will be needed to support your claim. Your company may require a "proof of loss" form, as well as documents relating to your claim, such as medical and auto repair bills and a copy of the police report.
- Keep records of your expenses. Expenses you incur as a result of the accident may be reimbursed under your policy. This could include medical and hospital costs, lost wages and at least part of your costs if you have to hire temporary in home help.
- Keep copies of your paper work. Store copies of all paper work in your own files. You may need to refer to it later.
###
Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association is a non-profit consumer information organization. Affiliated with the Insurance Information Institute, RMIIA has been serving consumers and the media since 1952.
How Medical Bills are Paid After an Auto Accident
When you buy auto insurance you need to think about what actually happens when you're in an accident and need to use it...
Updated:
February 28, 2007 1:52 PM
© Copyright Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association
7951 E. Maplewood Avenue, Suite 130 • Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111 USA
(303) 790-0216 or Toll Free (800) 355-9524
Legal notice, Disclaimer & Terms of Use