1. Determine Whether You are Injured
9-1-1 yourself or ask someone else to make the call. Anyone who has been seriously injured in a crash should try not to move until medical personnel have arrived.
2. Check on the Condition of Passengers in Your Vehicle
Although you may have determined that you are okay, someone else could have been hurt in the crash. Either call emergency services or ask an onlooker to call 9-1-1.
3. Move to a Safe Place
Move off the road onto a sidewalk or the side of the road. If your vehicle is drivable and is creating a hazard in its current location, pull it to the roadside. Otherwise, leave the vehicle where it is and move safely away from traffic.
4. Call 9-1-1
Whether you will need major car collision repair or the accident was a minor fender-bender, it is important to contact the police. Depending on the state you live in, calling the police after a car collision may be a legal requirement. The police officers who respond will document the scene and prepare an accident report. If police are unable to go to the accident scene, go to the police station nearest the accident and fill out a report yourself. Later, when you are following car collision claim steps, providing a copy of the police report may be needed.
5. Wait for Help to Arrive
Turn the engine off in your car, turn the hazard lights on, and warn other vehicles to slow down by using road flares if you have an emergency car kit.
6. Exchange Information
After the steps above are complete, exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver involved. Be sure to collect and take note of the following information about the other driver, his or her vehicle, and the accident scene:
· Insurance company and policy number
· Driver’s license
· Full name and contact information
· License plate number
· Color, model, and type of vehicle
· Accident location
During the exchange, avoid discussions about fault. Fault will be determined by the insurance adjuster when you file a claim. Evidence they will review includes an inspection of the property and vehicles damaged, details from both parties about what occurred, and supporting documentation, if any, such as photographs of the scene and a police report.
7. Document the Incident
To protect yourself against any potentially fraudulent claims that may come against you, document the following information:
· Get the names and badge numbers of the responding police officers.
· Obtain a copy of the accident report from the police.
· Take photos of both vehicles from different angles at the scene.
· Get the names and addresses of every person involved, including passengers of both vehicles.
· Speak to witnesses who can attest to what happened, and get their names and phone numbers.
8. Take Appropriate Car Collision Claim Steps
Contact your insurance company while you are at the scene of the car collision. They will advise you on what to do to initiate the claims process and what to expect.
9. Visit Shur-Way Auto Body Shop for Car Collision Repair
At Shur-Way Auto Body Shop, we specialize in car collision repair services, including frame damage repair, paintless dent repair services, and more. For four decades, we have been trusted leaders in the St. Louis MO area. Call us at 314-645-5540 today or visit our shop in Maplewood located at 3540 Greenwood Boulevard.