Collision Repair 101: What Should I Do Following an Accident?
Nobody ever wants to get into a car accident. Unfortunately, most all of us are likely to experience one during our driving careers. And while a minor fender bender may not be much more than irksome, a big crash will almost certainly require collision repair. Should you find yourself in this situation, Peruzzi Collision Center recommends taking these steps.
Assess Your Health
The first thing to do after an accident is see how you and your passengers are. If anyone is hurt – even if they don’t seem to have extensive injuries – call 911. It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to health and wellbeing.
Get Off the Road
If you are able, the next step is to move your car off the road. If the car is drivable, find a parking lot or other uncrowded area. Or, move the vehicle as far off the road and onto the shoulder as possible.
Call the Police
If an ambulance isn’t necessary, you still need to call the police if there is any property damage. And if you or another driver plan to use insurance, a police report is vital. This will document exactly what happened and who may be at fault.
Take Pictures
Once the most urgent steps are out of the way, you want to document the accident as much as possible by taking photos. Take pictures of all of the following for insurance and potential legal claims:
- Vehicle damage
- Personal injuries
- The accident scene (things like traffic signs, stop lights, road debris, or skid marks)
- The other driver’s license, registration, and insurance details, if applicable
Get an Estimate on Collision Repair
Once everything has settled down, it is time to think about your vehicle. This means bringing it to a reputable collision repair center for an estimate. Even if damage appears to be minimal, there is always the possibility that internal systems or parts have damage that you can’t see.