At the very least you'll be stressed and inconvenienced, and depending on how bad the accident was, you may be hurt or shaken. Once you know everyone is okay and nobody needs emergency medical care, start thinking about your car, your insurance and the other driver. The most important thing, after everyone's safety, is to collect the information that protects you if there's a dispute with an insurance company.
At the scene
Call the police
If the accident is serious enough for a police report, call the police and report the crash. If they tell you to move your vehicles, follow their instructions and get out of harm's way.
Write down what happened
Write down everything you can remember straight away: what happened, when and where. It's easy to forget or misremember details later.
Photograph the damage
Photograph the damage on your car and on the other cars. Make sure the damage is clear and visible.
Photograph the scene
Photograph the street and the spot where the accident happened.
Photograph their plates and papers
Photograph the other drivers' license plates, driver's licenses, registration and insurance information.
Get everyone's contact details
Make sure you have everyone's contact details, including cell phone numbers and insurance information.
Cooperate with the police
File a police report if you choose to. Don't leave until the police say you can.
Ask where your car is being towed
If your car needs to be towed, find out where it's going and when you can get it back.
Have it towed to us
If you want us to repair your car, tell the tow driver to drop it at our lot, follow them, and fill out any paperwork they need. Our dropbox has envelopes: write down your contact information, put your keys inside, and drop it in. We'll call you back as soon as we can to get started.
After the accident
Once you're safely away from the scene and any injuries have been looked after, contact your insurance company to file a claim. Most insurers want you to report an accident promptly, whether or not it was your fault, and reporting it quickly gives you the best chance of the claim being accepted.
Your insurer will probably ask for an estimate of the damage and the cost of repairs. That's where we come in. You don't have to go to the body shop your insurance company suggests. It's often better for you to take your car to a shop you know and trust to get you back on the road safely.
How we help
We work directly with your insurance company so you don't have to, and we advocate for you, including for the right parts: aftermarket and used parts aren't acceptable to us. Our certified technicians use current collision repair technology to restore your car to its pre-accident condition, from crunched fenders and bent frames to paint scratches and dented doors.
Your car is how you get to work and take care of your family, and we know the stress that comes with wrecking it. Our philosophy is simple: we serve people, not cars. Questions? Call us at (573) 808-6229.