There's an app for just about everything these days, including a checklist if you're involved in a traffic accident. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners created the smartphone app to help make it easy to file a claim from the palm of your hand.
Waze can help get you around wrecks, but what happens when you're the one in the crash? The WreckCheck app walks you through, step by step, exactly what you should do.
The minutes after a crash can be stressful.
"A lot going on. Sometimes there's a lot of traffic. Sometimes there's a lot of police, and a lot of other things going on," said Sgt. Forrest Bohannon of the Sandy Springs Police Department.
Bohannon responds to traffic accidents every day.
"The state requires on a public roadway that you report an accident if it involves either injury or over $500 worth of damage, and these days a bumper is easily over $500," said Bohannon.
She says a police report can take days to be ready. But you can speed up your claim with the WreckCheck app.
"It's a great guideline if you are involved in a crash, to go through that app and get the information that it asks for because a lot of times people will forget to get certain things, they'll forget to get a phone number or an address," said Bohannon.
Georgia Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens says the app will give you step by step directions of what you should do to file an accident report with your insurance company.
Built by insurance commissioners around the country, it could save you time on the phone with your insurance company.
"You just fill it out, you take photos. It includes those photos, and then you punch the send button and it sends an accident report to your email and then it also sends it to your insurance agent," said Hudgens.
Some law enforcement agencies don't respond to wrecks on private property because they don't have jurisdiction.
"This app will help on private property if people back into each other, or it's very minor and they don't want to get the police involved, or the police aren't responding to it. Then, they can use that app to get all the information that the insurance company will want," said Bohannon.
Hudgens says you don't have to hand over all your information to the other driver. By law, you just have to give them your name, insurance company, and your agents name. He also advises that you should never admit guilt in person or on social media. The information can be used against you.
If you would like to download the app, click here: iPhone | Android
Tuesday, June 18 2013 5:56 AM EDT2013-06-18 09:56:03 GMT
Eager to cash in on the recent run of good news about the Stock Market, but you don't know how to get started? Here's how!
Eager to cash in on the recent run of good news about the Stock Market, but you don't know how to get started? Good Day Atlanta goes to the pros for answers!
Monday, June 17 2013 10:08 AM EDT2013-06-17 14:08:03 GMT
Now, it's time to get ‘phine' – and, yes, that's with a ‘P-H.' Fitness trainer Apollo Nida is here to help you get those arms and legs in tip-top shape for summer!
Now, it's time to get ‘phine' – and, yes, that's with a ‘P-H.' Fitness trainer Apollo Nida is here to help you get those arms and legs in tip-top shape for summer!
Wednesday, June 12 2013 9:40 AM EDT2013-06-12 13:40:01 GMT
AAA reports the ease of hands-free tech might make it easier for motorists to text, talk and post while they drive -- but that might be doing more harm than good.
AAA reports the ease of hands-free tech might make it easier for motorists to text, talk and post while they drive -- but that might be doing more harm than good.
Wednesday, June 5 2013 6:41 AM EDT2013-06-05 10:41:30 GMT
One organization is working to make Metro Atlanta streets safer for pedestrians and even encourage people to walk more.
One organization is working to make metro Atlanta streets safer and even encourage people to walk, as opposed to driving. Pedestrians Educating Drivers on Safety, or PEDS, is working to make Atlanta more walkable one street, intersection and crosswalk at a time.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 5:55 AM EDT2013-05-14 09:55:03 GMT
Sandy Springs police say the number of reported hit and runs are up right now -- everything from fender benders to fatal pedestrian wrecks. So how do they catch a hit and run driver?
Sandy Springs police say the number of reported hit and runs are up right now -- everything from fender benders to fatal pedestrian wrecks. So how do they catch a hit and run driver?
Thursday, May 2 2013 6:22 AM EDT2013-05-02 10:22:00 GMT
You may be starting to see them more and more around Georgia -- roundabout intersections. The Georgia Department of Transportation says in most cases they improve safety, and help with congestion.
You may be starting to see them more and more around Georgia -- roundabout intersections. The Georgia Department of Transportation says in most cases they improve safety, help with congestion, and are more cost efficient.
Thursday, April 25 2013 6:44 AM EDT2013-04-25 10:44:36 GMT
Some civil engineering students at Georgia Tech are working on a few projects to make getting around the city easier. They're a part of the Georgia Transportation Institute and soon, you could be using their research.
Some civil engineering students at Georgia Tech are working on a few projects to make getting around the city easier. They're a part of the Georgia Transportation Institute and soon, you could be using their research.
Wednesday, April 17 2013 6:13 AM EDT2013-04-17 10:13:56 GMT
An intersection more than 30 years in the making is kick starting growth in one Cherokee County city.
An intersection more than 30 years in the making is kick starting growth in one Cherokee County city. This past winter, Woodstock added the Ridgewalk Parkway exit to Interstate 575, and now a 370,000 square foot outlet mall plans to call the intersection home.
Friday, April 12 2013 6:23 AM EDT2013-04-12 10:23:43 GMT
If you've got a teenager, chances are you already have some sleepless nights worrying about them. But, it hits a whole new level when they start to drive!
If you've got a teenager, chances are you already have some sleepless nights worrying about them. But, it hits a whole new level when they start to drive!
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