What to Do After a Car Accident
How to Appropriately Respond to a Car Accident
To ensure the safety of yourself and others. If you are involved in an accident, it is important to stay calm and assess the situation. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Even if there are no obvious injuries, it is important to seek medical attention to be checked out for any hidden injuries.
Ensure Safety First:
The immediate priority after an accident is safety. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location, turn on hazard lights, and check for injuries among yourself, passengers, and others involved. Call 911 for medical assistance if necessary.
Notify Law Enforcement:
Contact law enforcement as soon as possible. It's crucial to report the accident to the police as they will create an official accident report, which can be valuable for insurance claims and legal purposes later on.
Exchange Information:
Exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved in the accident. Gather names, phone numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance details. It would be ideal to be polite and cooperative during this process. Also, make sure to get information from any witnesses as well.
Document the Accident:
Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, license plates, road conditions, and traffic signs. This visual evidence can be essential for insurance claims. Write down details such as where the accident took place, what the weather was like, etc.
Seek Medical Attention:
Even if you don't feel injured immediately, it's advisable to seek medical attention. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away, and a medical evaluation can help in documenting any injuries related to the accident.
Notify Your Insurance Company:
Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with all the necessary details, including the other driver's information and the accident report number.
Avoid Placing Fault:
While it's essential to cooperate with the authorities and share information, avoid admitting fault or making accusations towards anyone involved. Fault determination is often handled by the insurance companies and legal processes.
Contact an Attorney:
If the accident involves significant injuries or complex liability issues, consider consulting an attorney experienced in personal injury cases. They can provide guidance on your legal rights and potential claims.
Keep Records:
Maintain detailed records of all accident-related expenses, such as medical bills, repair costs, and any missed workdays due to injuries. This documentation will be crucial for insurance claims and potential lawsuits.
Follow Up with Insurance:
Stay in communication with your insurance company throughout the claims process. Cooperate with their investigations, provide requested documents promptly, and keep track of claim progress.
Additional Notes:
When you're using a body shop to get repairs to your vehicle, be aware that the insurance company can recommend a shop, but you are under no legal obligation to use its services. You have the legal right to choose the shop to do your repairs.
Also be aware that insurance companies sometimes try to dictate what type of parts are used in a vehicle's repair. They might insist that a shop not use Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts, as they are more expensive.
Contact Us Today!
Got questions? We've got answers! Drop us a line, give us a call, or even stop by. Our team is eager to help you with any auto repair needs you have. Let's get you back on the road safely and swiftly!
What Our Customers Are Saying
I just wanted to share my experience for anyone else who may find themselves in a similar position. I was told by my dealership that I needed a rather immediate brake job done, amongst a laundry list of other things. I reached out to Jason first by calling - he was kind, courteous, thorough, and went out of his way to explain things to me regarding the (many) questions I had. I wanted to have someone else take a look at my brakes to see if I truly needed them replaced. I did wind up bringing my vehicle by, which he had his mechanic look at: turns out, replacing brake pads/rotors/etc was NOT dire, as my dealership led me to believe. Now, Jason & his mechanic *could* have told me, “Yes, you need new brakes and also XYZ 123 right now. Here’s our breakdown of parts & labor plus tax for a full quote, we can get you scheduled in next week.” But they didn’t. They reassured me that they were in good condition for the time being, gave me a general timeline for when I SHOULD anticipate having this repair done, and also warned me of things I should keep eyes/ears out for, should they need attention sooner. These guys are honest and just overall great people. I will be taking my business to Automotive Center of Mandeville from this point on for anything I’m unable to do myself, because it’s exactly this type of business that deserves such recognition and accolades. The biggest, most sincere thank you from a girl just trying to do her best!
I can't say enough good things about Automotive Center of Mandeville. My car has been through it! The first mechanic messed things up, second mechanic was overpriced and rude when I called back about my check engine light. I was honestly exhausted and discouraged, just praying to finally find someone I could trust. That's when I found Jason and Dale at Automotive Center. From the very first interaction, they were so kind, so genuine, and immediately made me feel like I wasn't just another customer. And Brian, their mechanic, is beyond impressive! He really knows his stuff, and it shows. For the first time ever, I actually met the mechanic working on my car, and that level of honesty and connection gave me so much peace of mind. They gave me the best price on diagnosing my car, but even more than that, they gave me respect, trust, and care. My only regret is not finding them sooner. I've finally found my shop, and I'll never go anywhere else.
Car & Truck Care, near Mandeville, LA
These guys are fantastic! My fuel pump went out and they got it in and called me much quicker than i expected. They gave me what i feel was an awesome price for the repair, because i had been quoted much higher through a different mechanic and they didnt try to upsell me stuff i didnt need. The mechanic and service writer walked me through what all was needed and why with an easy to understand explanation. 10/10 do recommend!!
Car & Truck Care, near Mandeville, LA
First time customer, found Jason and his Tech to be extremely customer friendly an explanatory. Gave me an upfront quote and the work was performed in a timely manner. I highly recommend and will return.
Car & Truck Care, near Mandeville, LA
