Honestly? Urb’s Garage hopes you never need to follow the advice in this blog post. Yes, we are a collision center, but we don’t want anyone to be in an automobile accident. In the event you are involved in one, however, keep calm and try to do the following things. They protect you and everyone else involved in the incident.
Stop, Protect, Police
Stop immediately once the accident occurs. Even if you can still drive your vehicle, do not drive away. If you leave the scene, you could be charged with a hit-and-run offense. Rather, put on your hazards and place warning triangles or flares on the road around the scene. Next, call the police. It doesn’t matter if the accident was a minor or major one. Call the police right away so they can come to the scene, diffuse any anger, and report the accident properly.
Take Notes and Pictures
Before you move the vehicles out of the way and while your mind is still fresh, take notes and pictures of the accident scene. You can also take a video of the scene. Record how the accident happened as you remember it through your photos and video with a narrative, either written or recorded verbally. It’s important to make notes about the accident immediately, as your memory will begin to fog quickly, especially if you are injured or otherwise traumatized by the event.
Exchange Information
Next, exchange information with all of the drivers involved in the accident. If the police are there, they may do this for you, especially if people are upset or agitated. You need each driver’s name; address; phone number; driver’s license number; insurance company name and policy number; the make, model and year of their vehicle; all passenger and witness names and contact information. You must provide the same information to each driver, so be prepared to do so.
Report the Accident
If the police are on scene they will advise if they need you to come into the police station to file an official report. In the meantime, contact your insurance company from the scene and report the accident to begin the claim process. Let them know what information you’ve collected and ask if they need anything else. They will advise you of the next, appropriate steps – as will the police – and they may even dispatch a claims adjuster to the accident scene.
Finally, if anyone was seriously injured in the accident, call 9-1-1 before you take any of the steps above. If the injuries are minor, seek medical attention once the police release you and the others involved in the accident from the scene. Have your vehicle towed to Urb’s Garage in Burlington, KY.
