What to do after getting involved in a car accident

I was involved in a car accident! What should I do?

Have you ever been part of a minor fender bender, like a car collision? If your answer is yes, then you are not the only one. It’s a fact that we can’t deny, auto collisions come with the driving package and millions of different types of car accidents are claimed every year. From hit and runs, minor fender benders to major car crashes.
These accidents can cause emotional and physical damage, which raises the question we titled our article with,

what to do after the accident?
Auto collisions can happen anytime and anywhere, day or night, in big intersections in a crowded city or small driveways in the countryside. If you are involved in a collision, remain calm and have the presence of mind.

Here are the instructions you should follow if you are involved in a car accident:

Move your car to a safe place

Should I move my car? This is a very popular question that many drivers ask after getting into a car accident. If a moving vehicle hits your car on a major road, it is better to move your car out of the way of incoming traffic for safety measures.

Turn your emergency lights on

After that, the next thing to do is to turn your emergency lights on. This will guarantee that your car is visible to other drivers driving by. Make sure everyone in the car is safe and sound, including yourself. If someone is injured inside, Call 911 or ask someone else to do so for you.

Exchange information

You must exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver involved in the car accident. This information is very critical when filing a claim with your insurance company. When exchanging information, make sure you are not standing on the side of the car with incoming traffic for safety reasons. The following
information should be exchanged:
Full name
Address
Phone number
Driver’s license number
License plate number
Vehicle make, model, and color
Insurance company policy number
Names and phone numbers of witnesses

Document the scene of the accident by taking pictures

It is always a good idea to document the scene of the accident by taking pictures of the damaged cars from different angles. When the police officer arrives to the scene of the accident, ask for their name, badge number, and phone number. You may also want to ask the officer when and where you can receive a copy of the accident report.
This may take a couple of days to get, but it is important to have.

Call your insurance company

It is important to call your car insurance provider as soon as you have the chance to start the process of filing a claim. Your agent will ask you to supply specific information related to the accident, so it is wise to call while you are still at the scene of the accident. Your insurance agent should inform you of your policy and the
details of your coverage, such as your deductible and rental car coverage.

Locate a repair shop

Although your insurance company may have a list of recommended auto body shops for you, it is ultimately up to you to choose the right collision repair shop for you. The insurance company will issue a check directly to you to pay for the repair unless you sign the directions to pay form for the shop then the insurance company will pay the shop directly.

Finding a reputable collision repair shop that you can trust with your car can make the process of getting you back on the road seamless. Patriots Auto Body and Collision Center is the best auto repair shop north of Boston, conveniently located in the heart of Lowell, and is specialized in the restoration of all types of vehicles.

If you are involved in a car accident, make sure you call (617) 285-2962. For more information go to www.patriotsautobody.com