What To Do After A Car Accident: A Step-By-Step Guide

None of us want to think about the risk of being in a car accident when we get behind the wheel. However, it’s a very real danger, and knowing exactly what to do if it happens to you is important.

Keep in mind that every accident is different, some are extremely severe while some are simple fender-benders. The steps you should take will vary based on the circumstances and the geographic location of your vehicle.

If you’re ever unsure how to proceed after impact, call 911.

At Boggs, we can handle just about any mechanical repair after you’ve taken your car to a body shop. Not sure which local body shop is the best? We recommend contacting C&M Body Shop in Warsaw.

What To Do Immediately After A Car Accident

Ensure Your Safety

This is the most important step. Check whether you and anyone in your vehicle are injured. If another car was involved in the collision, check on the other drivers and passengers if you can.

If you or anyone else at the scene has been injured, call 911 immediately.

If everyone is safe and not injured, then you can move on to the next steps.

Secure Your Vehicle

If possible, move your vehicle off the road so it doesn’t block traffic. Don’t leave the scene of the accident, but if your car is able to safely be driven, move it into the shoulder or away from the flow of traffic. 

If you’re concerned about proving who was at fault for the collision, take photos of your car and the other vehicle before you move it.

Once you’ve safely moved your vehicle, turn on your car’s hazard lights if they’re working after the collision and set up road flares if the accident occurred after dark. Emergency road flares should always be in your car!

Report The Accident

Call 911, explain the situation, and wait for the police to arrive. They will walk you through the process, ask questions, and take copies of your driver’s license and insurance information.

Ask them for a copy of the police report so you can submit it to your insurance company. Remember, do not leave the scene of the accident until you have been cleared by the police, otherwise, it can be categorized as a hit-and-run.

If your accident isn’t severe enough for police to be dispatched, you can talk to the other driver, exchange information, and file a report yourself at your local police station.

Talk To The Other Driver

Exchange information with the other driver:

• Contact information
• Email address
• License plate number
• Vehicle make, model, and year
• Insurance company and policy number

Don’t allow anyone to take a photo of your driver’s license, as that puts you at risk for identity theft. Instead, copy the information provided down either in the Notes app of your phone or using paper and pen.

Take Pictures

The police report will provide official documentation of the collision, it’s always a good idea to take your own photos as well.

• Damage to your vehicle
• Any other vehicles involved
• Property damage (i.e. signs, fallen trees, telephone poles, signs, etc.)
• Physical injuries

Start The Car Insurance Claim Process

Whether you, the other driver, or no one is at fault, you want to call your car insurance company as soon as possible after the accident occurs. A claims representative will typically be assigned to your claim and help you through the process and request any vital information.

Some major insurance carriers make it incredibly simple to file a claim using their app, so if your insurance company offers this service make sure you have their app installed on your phone!

Need To Fix Collision Damage? We’re Here To Help!

While Boggs doesn’t handle body damage (that’s why we recommend C&M Body Shop in Warsaw), once the exterior of your vehicle has been repaired, that’s when we come in to help with any mechanical issues your vehicle may have sustained due to a collision.

We’re proud to be your local full-service car repair and maintenance shop with two convenient locations in Warsaw. We also have free pick-up available with our Boggs Driver service for oil changes and preventative maintenance.

No appointment is necessary for oil changes at Boggs Pit Stop or Boggs Automotive, so you can just stop by! If you’d like to schedule any other car repair services, just click below to give us a call.