Charlie’s Auto Body has been in the car repair business for over 60 years, so we’re no stranger to car accidents. But fortunately, many of you probably are! The first minutes after a car accident are the most hectic, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Here’s what to do after a car accident:
Take A Few Deep Breaths
Take a few moments to breathe and collect yourself. There’s lots to do in these next several minutes and you’ll want a clear head for it. Sit back, breathe and get ready to speak with the other driver.
Move Your Car to the Side of the Road
Hopefully, the car accident wasn’t too bad and your vehicle can still drive. If so, move your car out of traffic and to the side of the road. When you’re parked, throw your hazards on so other drivers can clearly see you.
If your car is stuck, put your hazards on and double check your surroundings before exiting the vehicle. If you’re on a busy road like the Guide Meridian, be extra careful.
Call the Police
It’s generally recommended to call 911 after a car accident. Having a law official nearby can help diffuse any tense situations. They will also make an official report of the car accident. If the claim is disputed later by either party, the insurance companies will reference that document. Without an officer’s account, it can become a messy ‘he said, she said’ incident.
Speak with the Other Driver
Take a couple more deep breaths and exit the car after checking for traffic. Be cool and collected during the talk. Tensions may be high, but it’s best for everyone if the conversation is civil.
You should get some basic information from them including their name and phone number. While you’re there, write down the make, model, year and license plate number of each vehicle involved in the car accident. Finally, get all the insurance information you can from them including the company they’re with, their policy number and any insurance agent contact information.
Take Pictures
A pictures worth a thousand words, and can potentially save you thousands more dollars on your repairs. Take several photos of any damage to your car and the damages to the other vehicle. Insurance adjusters compare the photos and it could help determine liability on the claim (who pays for what).
It also helps to draw a diagram of how the accident happened along with lanes, traffic signs and cross roads listed.
AccidentDiagrams has a great tool for this.
File an Insurance Claim
As soon as you can after a car accident, file an insurance claim with your company. Doing so quickly will speed up the time it takes for Charlie’s Auto Body to get you back in working condition.
The easiest way to start a claim is to call the “800” number on your insurance card or make a trip to your local agent. The insurance must hear a statement from you about the collision or accident before they will start to process your claim. Make sure to provide your insurance company with all the information you gathered earlier.
Let Us Do An Inspection
Before or after talking to your insurance company, you can bring your vehicle in for us to document the damages and put together a repair estimate. If you have a claim filed already, we can typically forward the photos and estimate directly to your insurance.
Charlie’s Auto Body is a preferred repair facility for many insurance companies but we can work on your vehicle regardless of who your insurance company tries to steer you to. State law gives you the right to choose your repair facility.
If The Estimates Don’t Add Up
Many times the estimate and insurance check you receive will vary from the estimate we write for you. This is fairly typical, and although frustrating, it is not something to get too worried about. The estimate the insurance company writes is only a starting point, we continually document the needed repairs and negotiate with adjusters to ensure your vehicle is repaired properly and safely. We take any additional billing related to the accident up directly with the insurance company responsible for the claim.
There’s a basic overview of what to do after a car accident! Charlie’s Auto Body is happy to answer any other questions you have over the phone — (360) 354-2172 or when you bring your car into our shop.
Read last week’s blog to see how new technology may help reduce car accidents.