Being involved in a car accident is one of the most traumatic events that can happen while on the road. They’re even more stressful to deal with if your car is damaged as a result. Not only does this mean that you have to contact your car insurance company and file a claim, but you will also need to find a reliable auto shop for repairs.
You never know when situations like this might arise, so it’s good to be prepared for the possibility. Below we provide examples of several important things you should do after getting into an auto accident.
Call 911
After checking for personal injury and injuries to any passengers, contacting emergency services is the most important thing to do after getting into a crash. While calling the police to report the accident may seem unnecessary, there are some states where doing so is legally required. The responding officer will collect both drivers’ statements for the accident report. The police then give your insurance agent the information to help them determine who’s responsible for the collision.
While waiting for the authorities, make sure you have your engine turned off and hazards lights on so that other oncoming motor vehicles know to avoid you.
Exchange Information
Another thing you’ll want to do after your auto accident is exchange phone numbers and insurance information with the other driver for insurance claim purposes. The most important information from the other driver that you need is:
- Model and color of the vehicle
- Driver license and license plate number
- The location of the accident
- Name of the car insurance company and policy number
- Full name and contact information
When you file a claim with your auto insurance, the adjuster will use the information provided about the other driver, the state your vehicle is in, and the corroborating police report to determine fault. If possible, you should contact your insurance agent while you’re still at the scene so that they can tell you the exact documentation that they’ll need to start filing a claim.
To help the claims process or avoid any legal trouble, you can carefully document the scene of the accident for your records. Make sure you take pictures of the damage to your car, speak to witnesses, write down the names and contact information of everyone involved, and try to get a copy of the accident report from the police.
Find a Collision Repair Shop
No matter how bad the collision is, it is unlikely that your car will escape the incident without some damage to the exterior. To get back on the road with a vehicle in good condition, you’ll need to find a reliable auto repair shop. Depending on your car insurance company, they may have a list of pre-approved repair shops for you to use.
Using auto body repair shops that are recommended by an insurer saves time on processing paperwork and payment while ensuring quality thanks to a rigorous screening process. Your car will even get priority care thanks to the arrangement, and you may be able to arrange the use of a rental car if required.
For an auto body repair team that is skilled with collision repair and with experience working with insurers, set up an appointment with the Desoto Collision Center!
