Car accidents are high-stress situations, so it can be comforting to have a reference to make sure you don’t forget what to do after the event. In general, you should follow these steps:
- Take stock of any injuries. Check over yourself and any passengers to see if they have injured themselves in the crash. If you’re able to move, call 911 to let them know about the accident and if you need medical aid. You can also check on the occupants in the other car to see if anyone needs help. If someone has a head wound or is injured, try to keep them still until emergency services arrive.
- Get out of danger. If your vehicle can still work, try to move it to a shoulder or off the main road. This helps avoid additional crashes from cars driving by. If you can’t move your vehicle, then you should at least move yourself and any passengers away from the road.
- Call 911. No matter the extent of the collision, your insurance will mostly likely ask for a police report for the claim. Let the operator know where the crash occurred and any other details such as injuries. An officer will arrive to fill out an accident report.
- Collect information. Take photos of the scene and the vehicles involved. This could be important when filing your claim. When talking to the other involved driver, you’ll want this information:
- Driver’s full name and contact information
- Insurance policy number
- Make and model of the vehicle
- License plate number
- Location of accident
- Wait for help. Once the police arrive, they’ll begin their report and ask for your story. They’ll also talk to witnesses around, and you can get their information too if you want it for your insurance claim. Ask for the police report number so you have it for reference.
- Call your insurance. Begin the claims process by calling your insurance. Avoid using the mobile app since sending in photos does no account for the damage that could be hiding underneath the frame.
- Call an auto body repair shop. If you don’t already have a go-to shop, your insurance should have a list of recommendations. Otherwise, you’ll have to do some online searching.
If you’re in the Southern Twin Cities metro, we can help with your auto body repair needs and your insurance claim. Give our Eagan location a call and we’ll also take care of towing and loaner car needs.