Even a minor car accident can leave you shaken and unsure of what to do next. Whether it’s a low-speed fender bender or a more serious collision, how you respond immediately afterward can make a big difference in your safety, your finances, and how quickly your vehicle gets back on the road.
Knowing the right steps to take after a car accident helps protect you legally, medically, and financially. Here’s what to do if you find yourself in this stressful situation.
Prioritize Safety First
The moments after a collision can be disorienting. Start by checking for injuries to yourself, your passengers, and anyone else involved. If anyone is seriously injured, call 911 immediately and wait for emergency responders.
If the vehicles are still operational and it’s safe to do so, move them out of traffic to prevent another accident. Turn on your hazard lights and use cones or flares, if available, to alert other drivers. In more serious collisions, it’s best to leave the vehicles where they are until police arrive.
Staying calm and focused allows you to make safer decisions and communicate more clearly with others involved.
Exchange Information and Document the Scene
Once everyone is safe, exchange the following information with the other driver(s):
- Full name and contact details.
- Insurance company and policy number.
- Driver’s license and license plate numbers.
- Make, model, and color of the vehicles involved.
- Use your phone to take pictures of the scene, including:
- Vehicle damage.
- Skid marks or debris.
- Street signs and road conditions.
- Any visible injuries.
If there are witnesses nearby, ask for their contact information as well. Their perspective may help clarify what happened if there are any disputes later on.
Contact Law Enforcement
Even if the accident seems minor, it’s often a good idea to contact the police. In some states, a police report is required for insurance claims or legal purposes, particularly when injuries or significant property damage occur.
When officers arrive, provide an honest account of what happened, but avoid guessing or admitting fault. Stick to the facts and let the report reflect what you and others observed.
If police don’t come to the scene, you may need to file a report yourself through your local department or DMV.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance provider as soon as possible. Delaying this step can complicate your claim or affect your coverage.
When you speak with an agent, provide all the information and photos you gathered. If you have a police report, include that too. Your insurer will walk you through the next steps, including how to file a claim, schedule an inspection, or work with a preferred repair facility.
Keep in mind that you have the right to choose your own repair shop, regardless of which one your insurance company recommends.
Get a Thorough Vehicle Inspection
Even if your car appears mostly fine on the outside, internal damage can still be present. Collisions often affect more than just body panels—suspension, alignment, frame integrity, and safety systems like airbags can also be compromised.
A professional inspection ensures that all issues are identified, even those not visible to the naked eye. Driving a car with hidden damage puts your safety at risk and can lead to additional problems down the road.
Don’t Delay Repairs
It may be tempting to postpone repairs, especially after a minor accident, but this can backfire. Small cracks can spread, rust can form in exposed areas, and unseen damage can worsen over time.
Timely repairs protect your vehicle’s value, performance, and safety. Plus, insurance claims are often time-sensitive, so waiting too long might impact your ability to get the damage covered.
Keep All Records and Follow Up
Organize all documents related to the accident, including:
- Police reports.
- Medical evaluations, if any.
- Insurance claim numbers.
- Repair invoices.
These records may be useful for future claims or in case legal questions arise. Following up with your insurance company and repair shop ensures everything stays on track and nothing gets overlooked.
Trust B & K Collision in Melvindale, Michigan, for Expert Collision Repair
At B & K Collision in Melvindale, Michigan, we understand how overwhelming an accident can be. That’s why we’re here to guide you through the repair process from start to finish. Our skilled technicians provide thorough inspections, precise repairs, and clear communication to help you get back on the road with confidence.
Whether it’s restoring your vehicle’s appearance or ensuring its safety systems are working properly, we’re committed to quality and care every step of the way.
If you’ve been in an accident, call us today to schedule an estimate and let us help make your car look and drive like new again.
