The worst has happened: you were driving along the road, doing your best to safely get to your destination, when your vehicle collides with another.
If you’ve been in a car accident, you know the panic. You hope your car isn’t too damaged and everyone is okay. Your brain might freeze as you try to figure out what you need to do with your car first.
Take a deep breath. We’re here to help.
It’s unfortunate that car accidents are common. Yet, that also means there are a systematic number of steps for you to follow to get your car the repairs it needs.
Below, we’ll tell you what to do for your vehicle if you get into a crash.
Before You Handle Your Vehicle
Before taking care of your car, do a quick check to make sure everyone involved is okay.
This includes both the people in your car and the people in the other vehicle. If the people in the other car do not get out, exit yours and check on them.
If anyone needs medical assistance, call 911 immediately, and follow the operator’s instructions before dealing with your car.
Do a Quick Car Assessment
Check to make sure that your engine isn’t smoking. If it is, turn the ignition off and exit your vehicle. Assist anyone else in the car who needs help getting out.
Smoking engines might combust, so stand at a distance from the car and call the authorities.
Move Your Car to a Safe Place
If your car still runs safely, move it to a safe place, out of the way of traffic.
Assist the other driver with pushing their vehicle if it does not drive.
Exchange Insurance
Next, exchange insurance information with the other driver.
Take pictures of their insurance for your records and invite them to take photos of yours. Contact the insurance agency as soon as you can. Tell them you have been in an accident with one of their clients and would like to file a claim.
Then, do the same with your insurance company.
The insurance company employees will take your statement and ask you some questions related to the accident. They will then open up an independent investigation into the incident to determine liability.
If you are injured in an accident and insurance refuses to pay, call a car accident lawyer.
Take Pictures of the Damage
Most likely, an insurance company will ask you to send them photos of the damage to all vehicles involved.
Even if they don’t ask for them right away, take the photos in case they do.
Take the Vehicle to the Shop
Even if you don’t think your car suffered any serious damage, take it in to get inspected.
Sometimes, the damage to your vehicle might not seem terrible, especially if the car still drives. Yet, accidents can do damage to your car that can cause you problems or even become dangerous if you don’t get them fixed.
Learn More About Car Repair
Now, let’s be abundantly clear: we don’t recommend you doing your post-accident car repairs yourself. That could just lead to more damage to your vehicle and ultimately put you at greater risk.
Yet, we know the importance of keeping your car in tip-top shape. After all, making sure your car runs properly prevents road emergencies, including accidents.
So are you ready to learn more about car repair? If so, check out the rest of the articles on this website!