7 Steps to Follow After a Car Accident
No matter how careful of a driver you are, accidents occur. An unexpected car accident can leave you feeling scared, lost and a bit scatter brained. From fender benders to a head-on collision, there are certain steps you may want to take in order to help make sure everyone is safe and how to get the claim process started.
Check Yourself
You were just in an accident. Assess your body and check for any injuries you might have acquired. If you are injured do not try and move, wait for emergency personnel.
Check on Others
If you are uninjured, check the well-being of your passengers. If anyone needs urgent medical care paramedics should be dialed immediately.
Move to Safety (if possible)
If your car is safe to drive and is causing a hazard for other drivers, pull it to the side of the road. If it's not, leave it where it is and get yourself to safety. Turn on your hazard lights, use cones, warning triangles, or flares for added safety.
Call the Police
Whether the accident is minor or major, calling the police is important. Responding officers will fill out an accident report and document the scene, this report will assist you in filing your claim with your insurance company.
Exchange Information – Limit Conversation
After making sure you and any passengers are uninjured and after the police arrive, you may exchange insurance information with the other driver.
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Drivers and Passengers: names and contact information
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Vehicle descriptions
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License plate numbers
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Insurance Companies and policy numbers
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Eyewitnesses: names and contact information
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Accident scene location
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Police officer’s name and badge #
Document the Accident
If it is safe to do so, take photos and videos of all vehicles involved and the accident scene including the damage caused by the collision itself and the roadway, any skid marks, or location settings. This allows your insurer to get a better perspective on the accident and determine who is at fault.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Auto insurance policies urge for accident claims to be filed as soon as possible. Check with your insurance provider, as some providers even have a file claiming system through their mobile apps. Your job is to collect the facts of the accident and work with your assigned claims adjuster who will walk you through the process and what documentation is needed.
Hacienda Collision Center
At Hacienda Collision Center, we pride ourselves in taking care of you and your vehicle from the moment you walk in our doors. We have a range of services to accommodate any size collision and work with all types of insurances. You’ve gotten through the worst part of the collision, now let us take care of repairing your vehicle and getting you back on the road.
With 4 locations across South Texas to better serve you – McAllen, Weslaco, and Harlingen – stop by any of our shops to get an estimate of your vehicle repairs.