| How to Handle a Fender Bender Posted: 12 Sep 2019 05:00 PM PDT It's easy to be frightened or flustered after a fender bender, especially if it's your first one. However, it's important to remember that you're involved in a legal process. This means there are some important steps you'll need to go through if you're involved in a car collision. Fortunately, once you know what these steps are, it's a lot easier to correctly handle a fender bender, even if you're flustered! [Edit]Acting Immediately Following an Accident - Pull your car over to the side of the road if it's safely drivable. Remove yourself from the flow of traffic in order to reduce the risk of another accident. Make sure you pull over to a safe place where you and the other driver can get out of your cars.[1]
- For added safety, turn on your hazard lights once you've pulled over.
- Pay attention to where the other car is pulling over. If the other car does not pull over, try to view and remember their license plate once you are stopped on the side of the road. Write the license plate number down as soon as you can.
- Check yourself and others for injuries and call emergency services. If you or any of your passengers have any serious injuries, call 911 immediately to have paramedics sent to the scene. Attend to any minor injuries as best you can.[2]
- It's very important to let paramedics know exactly what sort of injuries they will be dealing with when they arrive at the scene.
- Call the police to the scene in order to assess the situation. The police will need to file a report of the accident. If there is any worry that harm may have been caused, the police will serve as a neutral third-party and document the scene of the accident.[3]
- If the other driver drove off, you can tell the police their license number once they arrive.
- In some cases, the fender bender seems so minor that both parties avoid calling the police and simply exchange car insurance information. However, it's very important to have a police report of the accident filed for insurance purposes.
- Communicate with the other driver to make sure they're safe and calm. After you've both pulled over, walk over to the other car and ask if the driver and their passengers are ok. Without getting angry or upset, assure them that police are on their way and that situation will be taken care of.[4]
- Take a few deep breaths and try to avoid anger in this interaction. Staying calm will reduce the likelihood of other altercations.
- If the other driver is angry or belligerent, retreat back to your own car and wait for the police to arrive. Do not engage them in an uncivil way.
[Edit]Documenting the Scene - Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver. In a calm and collected tone, tell the other driver that you would like to exchange insurance information. Bring your insurance information from your car or wallet. Also, grab a cell phone or pen and paper that you can use to write down the other driver's insurance information.[5]
- If the driver is uninsured, ask for their name, driver's license number, license plate number, address and contact number. They will face legal consequences and you can report this information to the police.
- Do not accept any arrangement whereby money exchanges hands without notifying insurance companies, even if you are not at fault.
- Take notes and pictures of the scene for insurance purposes. Use your cell phone to take photos of both cars and skid marks. You can use these photos to support your claim with your insurance company later on.[6]
- The police will also take their own photos when they arrive at the scene. These photos can also be used in your insurance claim.
- Don't put yourself in the way of traffic to take the photos.
- Get contact information for any witnesses, if applicable. Some other drivers and pedestrians may have stopped to see if everyone was ok after the accident. Ask these people for their contact information in case you need it for the police or for your insurance company later on.[7]
- If possible, ask these eyewitnesses to stay and give a statement to the police at the scene.
- Avoid accepting blame for the accident until the police arrive. The police will arbitrate who is at fault for the accident. If you accept blame for the accident before they arrive, however, you may be held liable for any damages to the other driver's vehicle regardless of what the police would have said.[8]
- At the same time, don't blame the other driver for the accident, even if you think they're at fault. Determining responsibility for the accident is best left to a neutral party.
- Cooperate fully with the police and tell them the truth. Tell your side of the story regarding the accident, making sure to stick to the facts without embellishing and saying anything that isn't true. Avoid lying to the police, as this may lead you to being charged with a crime.[9]
[Edit]Filing an Insurance Claim - Ask for a copy of the police report after they release you from the scene. Arrange to pick up a copy of the police report once the police have finished writing it. Make a note of the police officer's name, precinct and badge number so that you can follow up.[10]
- Note that this isn't necessarily required as part of filing an insurance claim. However, having access to the details that police gathered from the scene will make accurately filing your claim much easier.
- Wait for the police to release you from the scene. Don't leave abruptly, or it may appear you are trying to run away from the situation.
- Contact your insurance company to begin filing a claim right away. Look on your insurance card for an "in case of accident/claim" number that you can call. Contact an insurance agent as soon after the accident as possible in order to begin the claims process right away.[11]
- Calling your insurance company to report an accident will protect your property, but it will also give your insurance company a chance to prepare to argue on your behalf.
- Provide as much information to your insurance company as you can. The agent will probably go through a checklist of information that they need concerning the accident, such as the names, addresses, and insurance information of everybody involved. Tell the agent about the photographs and notes that you took from the scene and ask how they would like you to provide this information to the insurance company.[12]
- If you've asked for a copy of the police report, tell your agent about this as well. They might like to receive an additional copy for their records.
- Make copies of all of your evidence and documentation before submitting this to the insurance company, just so you can have access to this information as well.
- Work with your insurance company to see how best to repair your car. The agent can tell you how much of the repairs you will be personally responsible for and what you can expect the company to pay for. Ask the agent if there's a particular repair company or service you should use for the damages.[13]
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
| How to Keep Popcorn Fresh Posted: 12 Sep 2019 09:00 AM PDT No one enjoys reaching into a bowl of popcorn to find a soggy or chewy piece. Fortunately, you can make a few little changes to end up with popcorn that stays fluffy and crisp, even days after you popped it. To make popcorn that stays fresh, store the plain popcorn in an airtight container and season it just before you're ready to enjoy it. [Edit]Storing Homemade Popcorn - Pop a batch of popcorn and don't season it. You can pop kernels on the stove or in the microwave, but don't drizzle the popcorn with butter, sprinkle it with salt, or add flavorings. These can make your popcorn soggy or chewy.
- Let the popcorn cool completely. If you put hot or warm popcorn into a storage container, you'll trap moisture in the container that can make the popcorn become soggy. Ensure that the popcorn is completely cooled before you store it.[1]
- Popcorn doesn't take very long to cool. If you're in a hurry, you can spread it out on baking sheets to cool faster.
- Pack the popcorn into an airtight container. Once the popcorn has cooled, put it into a glass or plastic container. Try not to use a container that's too large or the popcorn will stale faster. If you can, fill the container to the top so there's not as much air in it.[2]
- If you don't have a jar or rigid storage container, use a sealable plastic bag. Remove all of the air before closing the bag.
- Store the popcorn at room temperature for up to 1 to 2 weeks. If you haven't added salt, butter, or seasoning to the popcorn, it will keep for at least 1 week. Avoid refrigerating the popcorn because this will introduce moisture that can make the popcorn stale.[3]
- If you're storing leftover storebought popcorn that you made, check it every few days to see if it's still fresh. Since storebought popcorn is already covered in flavoring, it may become chewy within a few days.
- Flavor the popcorn just before you eat it. For classic popcorn, toss it with melted butter and salt. If you're feeling more adventurous, melt a little honey with the butter before you drizzle it over. To make savory and spicy popcorn, sprinkle a little chili powder and nutritional yeast over it. The nutritional yeast will give the popcorn a slightly cheesy flavor.[4]
- If you don't mind messy popcorn, you can mix the popcorn with caramel or chocolate sauce.
[Edit]Reviving Stale Popcorn - Preheat the oven to and spread the popcorn on a sheet. Get out a rimmed baking sheet so the popcorn won't slide off it. Then, put as much stale popcorn as you like on it.[5]
- Arrange the popcorn so it's in a single layer.
- Heat the popcorn for 5 minutes. Put the baking sheet into the preheated oven and leave it so it crisps up. You can check the popcorn after 5 minutes to see if it's not soggy or chewy anymore.[6]
- If the popcorn is still a little stale, heat it for 1 more minute and check it again.
- Season the popcorn before you eat it. If your popcorn is plain, toss it with melted butter and salt or your choice of seasonings. You could sprinkle cheesy powder, curry powder, or cinnamon sugar, for example.[7]
- Avoid storing the popcorn once you season it since they'll make the popcorn become soggy again.
[Edit]Making Plain Stovetop Popcorn - Pour the oil into a heavy pan and add 2 popcorn kernels. Place the heavy pan on the stove and pour of canola or vegetable oil into it. Put 2 of the popcorn kernels into the pan and put the lid on.[8]
- If you use a pan with a glass lid, you'll be able to see when the kernels pop. If you don't have a glass lid, you'll need to listen for the kernels to pop.
- Turn the burner to medium-high and wait for a kernel to pop. You'll know the oil is hot enough when you see or hear at least 1 of the kernels pop. Avoid frequently lifting the lid to check the kernels because heat will escape from the pan.[9]
- Add 1/2 cup (105 g) of popcorn kernels and put the lid back on the pan. Carefully lift the lid and add the kernels. Then, swirl the pan gently so the kernels are coated in the oil and put the lid back on.[10]
- Shake the pan over the burner for 2 to 4 minutes so all of the kernels pop. Swirl the pan gently to keep the kernels moving so they don't burn. You'll hear the kernels begin to pop within 1 to 2 minutes. Then, it will take another 1 to 2 minutes for all of the kernels to pop.[11]
- Remove the pan when you hear 3 seconds between each pop. You shouldn't hear very many kernels sliding around the pan if you give it a gentle shake. The popping should also slow down once most of the kernels have popped. Turn off the burner when you hear 1 pop about every 3 seconds.[12]
- Look out for pieces of popcorn that might pop out of the pan as you remove it.
- Dry popcorn kernels will last for 2 years if you store them at room temperature.[13]
[Edit]Warnings - Avoid microwaving homemade popcorn in brown bags. The bags are usually made with recycled material that can catch fire in your microwave.[14]
- Although you can put the popcorn into the freezer, this will cause the popcorn to become hard even after you defrost it.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Storing Homemade Popcorn - Airtight storage container
[Edit]Reviving Stale Popcorn [Edit]Making Plain Stovetop Popcorn - Heavy-bottomed pot with lid
- Measuring cups and spoons
[Edit]References |
| How to Make Focaccia Posted: 12 Sep 2019 01:00 AM PDT Focaccia is one of the best beginner breads to make because it's so forgiving and easy to shape. Combine bread flour with salt, yeast, olive oil, and water so it forms a wet dough. After you've rested the dough, add any toppings you like and let it prove again. Then bake the focaccia until it's golden brown and drizzle it with a little more olive oil just before serving. [Edit]Ingredients - 4 cups (500 g) of bread (strong white) flour
- 2 teaspoons (11 g) of salt
- 2 1/4-ounce (7 g) packages of instant (easy blend) yeast
- of olive oil
- of cold water
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- Fine sea salt, for garnishing
Makes 2 loaves [Edit]Making the Dough - Put the flour, salt, and yeast into a bowl. Get out a large mixing bowl and put 4 cups (500 g) of bread (strong white) flour into it. Add 2 teaspoons (11 g) of salt to one side of the bowl and put 2 1/4-ounce (7 g) packages of instant (easy blend) yeast into the opposite side.[1]
- Instant yeast can be mixed directly into a dough without the need to activate it first.
- Mix in the olive oil and the water. Pour of olive oil into the bowl along with 1 1/3 cups of the cold water. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to stir the liquids into the flour. Keep mixing and add the rest of the water to form a sticky dough.[2]
- Knead the dough in the bowl for 5 minutes. Since the focaccia dough is so wet and sticky, you'll need to leave it in the mixing bowl in order to knead it easily. Use your hands to pull and fold the dough until it becomes smooth and stretchy.[3]
- If your hands stick to the bread as you knead, rub a little olive oil on them.
- To make the dough using a machine, put the ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer. Use the dough hook to beat the dough on medium speed for 5 minutes.
[Edit]Proving and Topping the Focaccia - Cover the dough and prove it for 1 to 2 hours. Lay a damp cloth or piece of plastic wrap over the bowl and leave the dough at room temperature. Let it prove until it's doubled in volume.[4]
- The dough will be puffy, but still stretchy once it's finished proving.
- Drizzle 2 baking sheets with oil. Get out 2 half-sheet rimmed baking pans and drizzle a little olive oil across the bottom of each. This will give the focaccia a crispy bottom crust and make it easier to remove them from the sheets.
- Half-sheet pans are about in size.
- Divide the dough into 2 portions and flatten each to fit the pans. Turn the dough onto your work surface and cut it into 2 equal-sized portions. Use a rolling pin or your hands to spread each portion into rectangle and place it into the prepared baking sheet.
- Use your fingers to push the dough into the corners of the pan.
- Top the focaccia with toppings if you like. Although classic focaccia is good with nothing else but a drizzle of olive oil on top, it's great when topped with with herbs or flavorful ingredients. If you want to top your focaccia, scatter thinly sliced or chopped toppings evenly over the dough.[5]
- Cover the focaccia and let them rest for 1 hour. Lay a damp cloth or a piece of plastic wrap over each baking sheet. Leave the focaccia to prove in the sheets for 1 hour so they rise just a bit.
- If you added toppings, the dough should puff up a little around them.
[Edit]Baking the Focaccia - Preheat the oven to and drizzle the focaccia with olive oil. Uncover the focaccia and press your fingertips into the dough as though you're massaging it a little. Then drizzle a little olive oil over the surface of the dough.[6]
- For a little extra flavor, sprinkle some fine or flaky sea salt over the dough after you've drizzled the oil.
- Bake the focaccia for 20 minutes. Put the baking sheets in the preheated oven and cook the focaccia until the loaves are completely golden brown. Touch the surface of the dough to ensure that it's dry and not doughy.[7]
- If the focaccia doesn't spring back when you touch it, return it to the oven and bake it for 3 more minutes. Then check it again.
- Slice and serve the focaccia. Turn off the oven and remove the baking sheets. Slide the focaccia loaves onto a large cutting board and use a chef's knife or pizza cutter to cut the bread. For an extra-rich flavor, drizzle a little more olive oil over the focaccia and serve it hot or warm.[8]
- You can cut the focaccia into uniform squares or irregular triangles.
- Although the focaccia will have the best texture the day it's baked, you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- If you don't want to bake both loaves at the same time, wrap 1 of them and freeze it. To bake it, unwrap the loaf and thaw it in the fridge for 8 hours. Then stretch it and bake the focaccia as directed.[9]
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Measuring cups and spoons
- Bowl
- Wooden spoon
- 2 rimmed baking sheets
- Kitchen towel or plastic wrap
- Electric mixer with dough hook, optional
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
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