Car accidents are stressful and scary events that can happen to anyone. Whether you are involved in a minor fender bender or a major collision, you need to know what to do after a car accident to protect yourself, your passengers, and your vehicle.
At Griffin Automotive Design, we are experts in car repair and restoration. We have helped hundreds of customers get their cars back on the road after an accident. We know how important it is to follow the right steps after a car accident to ensure your safety, your legal rights, and your insurance claim.
In this blog post, we will share with you the 10 things you need to do after a car accident, based on our experience and the best practices recommended by the authorities and the insurance industry. We hope this guide will help you be prepared and confident in case you ever face a car accident.
- Stop and stay calm.
The first thing you need to do after a car accident is to stop your vehicle and stay calm. Never drive away from the scene of an accident, even if it seems minor. This is not only illegal but also dangerous. You could cause more damage, injuries, or even be arrested for leaving the scene.
Instead, take a deep breath and try to calm yourself down. Check yourself and your passengers for any injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately and request an ambulance. Do not move anyone who is seriously injured unless they are in immediate danger.
- Protect the scene and move out of traffic.
The next thing you need to do after a car accident is to protect the scene and move out of traffic. You can prevent further accidents by setting up flares, turning on your hazard lights, or using a flashlight if it is dark. If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road or to a safe place where it does not block traffic. If your vehicle is not drivable, leave it where it is and get yourself and your passengers to a safe location.
- Call the police and report the accident.
Even if there are no serious injuries, it is a good idea to call the police and report the accident. The police will come to the scene and make an official record of what happened. They will also help direct the traffic and assist the injured. Having a police report is important for your insurance claim and your legal protection. It can also help you determine who was at fault for the accident.
When the police arrive, make sure you tell them exactly what happened, to the best of your ability. Do not admit fault or blame anyone. Just state the facts and let the police decide who was responsible. Be polite and cooperative with the police and the other parties involved in the accident.
- Exchange information and take pictures.
One of the most important things to do after a car accident is to exchange information and take pictures. You need to get the following information from the other driver(s) involved in the accident:
- Name, address, phone number, and email
- Driver’s license number and license plate number
- Insurance company name, policy number, and contact information
- Vehicle make, model, color, and year
You should also get the contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident. They can provide valuable testimony for your insurance claim and your legal case.
Additionally, you should take pictures of the scene, the vehicles, the damages, the injuries, and any other relevant details. Use your smartphone or a camera to capture as much evidence as possible. These pictures can help you prove your claim and your damages.
- Notify your insurance company and file a claim.
As soon as possible, you should notify your insurance company and file a claim. Many insurance policies require immediate reporting and full cooperation. You should contact your insurance agent or representative and tell them what happened. They will guide you through the process of filing a claim and getting your vehicle repaired.
When you talk to your insurance company, be honest and accurate. Do not lie, exaggerate, or omit any information. This could jeopardize your claim and your coverage.
- Seek medical attention and document your injuries.
Often, injuries caused by car accidents are not immediately apparent. You may feel fine right after the accident, but develop symptoms later. That is why it is important to seek medical attention and document your injuries. You should visit a doctor or a hospital as soon as possible after the accident and get a thorough examination. You should also keep a record of your medical bills, prescriptions, treatments, and diagnoses.
- Contact Griffin Automotive Design for your car repair.
One of the most important things to do after a car accident is to contact Griffin Automotive Design for your car repair. We are a family-owned and operated business that has been serving the community since 2018. We specialize in car repair and restoration, and we can handle any type of damage, from minor dents and scratches to major structural and mechanical issues.
We work with all insurance companies and we will handle the paperwork and the communication for you. We will also provide you with a free estimate and a warranty on our work. We have a team of certified and experienced technicians who use the latest equipment and technology to restore your car to its original condition. We also offer a variety of services, such as paintless dent repair, custom paint, collision repair, frame repair, and more.
At Griffin Automotive Design, we care about your satisfaction and your safety. We will treat your car as if it were our own and we will make sure you are happy with the results. We are open Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. You can call us at (573) 534-2300 or visit our website at GriffinAutobody.com to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services.
- Use Marler’s Towing for your tow.
If your car is not drivable after the accident, you need to use Marler’s Towing for your tow. Marler’s Towing is a trusted and reliable towing company that has been serving the area for over 15 years. They offer 24/7 emergency service and they can tow any type of vehicle, from cars and trucks to motorcycles and RVs.
Marler’s Towing can take your car directly to our shop for your convenience. They have a fleet of modern and well-maintained tow trucks and they have a friendly and professional staff who will take care of your car and your needs.
- Keep a record of everything.
Another important thing to do after a car accident is to keep a record of everything. You should keep a file or a folder with all the documents and information related to the accident, such as:
- The police report
- The insurance claim number and contact information
- The medical records and bills
- The repair estimates and receipts
- The pictures and notes of the accident
- The names and contact information of the other parties and witnesses
- The correspondence and communication with the insurance company, the other parties, and your attorney
Keeping a record of everything can help you track the progress of your claim and your recovery. It can also help you protect your rights and your interests in case of a dispute or a lawsuit.
- Consult an attorney if necessary.
The last thing you need to do after a car accident is to consult an attorney if necessary. Sometimes, car accidents can result in complex and contentious situations, such as:
- Severe or permanent injuries
- Disagreement over who was at fault
- Denial or delay of your insurance claim
- Insufficient or unfair compensation for your damages
- Legal action from the other parties
In these cases, you may need the help of an attorney who specializes in car accident cases. An attorney can advise you on your legal options and represent you in negotiations or in court.
We hope this blog post has been helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us at Griffin Automotive Design. We are here to help you with your car repair and restoration needs. Thank you for choosing us and we look forward to serving you.