Dealing with a car accident can be an overwhelming and scary experience. Not only can they cause an immense amount of damage to your personal property, but some auto accidents can even result in injury.
In the heat of the moment, there is so much to think about, and so little time to do so. That’s why we at Zimbrick Body Shops took the time to assemble this list of six things to do in the unfortunate event you’re in an auto accident.
6 Steps to Take After a Car Accident
Make the scene safe
Once it’s safe to do so, get your vehicle out of the line of traffic and park somewhere safe, such as the shoulder of the road. If your car is unable to operate, put your hazards on so you can alert other drivers to steer clear of the accident area.
Check for injuries
After you’ve stopped your vehicle and moved to a safer location, take a breather and check on everyone involved in the accident, both in your vehicle and the other driver’s. If you’re unsure of the physical well-being of the accident’s participants, call an ambulance.
Exchange information
Once the safety of the vehicles and its passengers have been accounted for, you need to exchange information with the other driver. The necessary information includes, but is not limited to:
- All names of involved passengers and drivers
- License plate numbers
- Insurance information
- Make and models of the cars
- Location of the accident
- Information from any eyewitnesses
If you need help remembering, feel free to print out and keep our accident checklist in your glovebox.
Call the police
Even if there are no serious injuries, you’re sure you’re not at fault, and you’ve already exchanged information, you need to call the police. The police will help provide an official, accurate record of the accident for insurance providers, as well as help maintain the safety of the situation.
Document the accident
Whether it’s from a mobile phone or a dashcam, having pictures of any incurred damages to your vehicle and person will be invaluable going forward. Taking photos of the accident scene is also a good idea, as it will remove the burden of having to recall such details later for insurance providers.
Don’t be too hard on yourself
Car accidents are a very stressful situation for those involved, so mistakes and missteps are bound to happen. If you feel like you didn’t do enough in taking care of the situation immediately after the accident occurred, don’t worry — it’s not the end of the world.
The most important step in all of this is for you to trade insurance information with the other driver. If you don’t, you’re unlikely to get assistance from either person’s insurance company in paying for damages.
Call on Zimbrick Body Shops in Madison, WI
We know the feeling. That’s why we’ve made the process of getting auto repairs as seamless as possible.
If you’ve just had an auto accident, bring in your vehicle to our technicians at Zimbrick Body Shops. We not only repair vehicles after collisions, but we treat them to a full, original-factory condition restoration.
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