While we all try to stay as safe as we can on the road, accidents can happen for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, we may not see another vehicle in our blind spot, a vehicle in front of us may stop unexpectedly, or an animal or some type of object may appear out of nowhere, leaving us little time to react.
No matter what the reason is for an accident occurring, there are a few things you should do after one happens. Harr Collision Center is here to guide drivers in Worcester, Auburn, and Shrewsbury, MA, through what to do after a car accident.
What Happens After You Get Into an Accident?
An accident can happen in the blink of an eye, and it can be very jarring. Assuming you and/or your passengers aren’t injured, and you’ve had a few minutes to process what just happened, the biggest thing you’ll want to do is to remain calm. If you can, pull off to the side of the road so you’re not obstructing traffic and you’re safe.
Afterwards, turn off the engine and turn on the hazard lights, if you’re able. This will alert other drivers that something has happened.
The next thing you should do is call 911, so a police officer can file an accident report. Even if it’s a minor fender-bender, you’ll want to have the accident on record. At this time, if you need medical assistance, ask the 911 operator to dispatch an ambulance. Additionally, depending on the extent of the damage, you may want to call a tow truck.
Once you have all your ducks in a row, exchange information with the other person or persons involved in the crash. This includes names and contact information, insurance coverage, driver’s license number, and plate number, other vehicle(s) involved, and the location of the accident.
Next, be sure to document everything you can about the accident. This means you’ll want to get the officer’s name who assists you, ask for a copy of the accident report, take pictures of the scene, and talk to witnesses, if there are any.
As soon as you can, call your insurance company and let them know what’s happened. You may also be able to notify them through their mobile app. An agent may be able to arrange a tow to an in-network collision center to assess the damage and start repairs.
Our Collision Center Services
It goes without saying that accidents are scary and stressful. Especially since you’ll need to have your car repaired and could be without it for a bit. When your ride comes into our collision center, we have two goals in mind: to restore your car to its pre-accident condition and to make you feel comfortable about what’s happening.
We specialize in all types of accident repair, including:
- Body panel repair
- Undercarriage damage repair
- Auto glass repair
- Part replacements
If you’re interested in financing these repairs, you can speak to one of our team members, who will guide you through the process.
FAQs
What information should I exchange with the other driver after an accident?
Be sure to exchange names, contact information, insurance details, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and details about the vehicles involved. Also note the location of the accident.*
When should I contact my insurance company?
You should notify your insurance provider as soon as possible after the accident. Many insurers allow you to report a claim through a mobile app, and they may help arrange towing or direct you to an in-network collision center.
What types of collision repairs does Harr Collision Center offer?
Harr Collision Center handles a wide range of accident repairs, including body panel repair, undercarriage damage repair, auto glass repair, and part replacements.
Schedule Collision Repair at Harr Collision Center
Have you been in a car accident and need a reliable team of experts to repair your vehicle? Now that you know what to do after a car accident, once you’ve completed the necessary steps, call Harr Collision Center to schedule an estimate. You can also go to our website to do this.
We look forward to working with you.
*Source: Allstate