Nobody wants to get into an automobile accident, and we here at Lucas Auto Care don’t want that, either. Aside from the emotional and physical trauma of an auto crash, your vehicle may never be the same again unless it is repaired properly. However, before we get ahead of ourselves, here are the steps experts recommend you take if you get into an auto accident.
Breathe
The instant the accident happens, your body goes into fight-or-flight mode, so take a moment to turn on your hazard lights and breathe deeply to help calm yourself down. If you are not injured, you need to be the voice of reason. Check your passengers to make sure no one is hurt and look outside of your vehicle for danger such as a fire. A quick assessment of the accident effects helps you decide on the next move.
Safety Next
If the collision was such that the vehicles could be moved to safety, do so. If you cannot move your vehicle, leave on the hazard lights and put flares or reflectors around the scene. Do this only if it’s safe. Check the other people involved in the accident for injuries, as well, and if you believe it’s necessary, call for medical help. Call the police next, as they need to be present to report the accident.
Gather Information
Memory fades quickly, especially in stressful situations, so make sure to document the automobile accident right away. Take pictures and video of the accident scene and narrate your recollection of the events surrounding the accident as soon as possible before you forget details. It’s also important to gather the information your insurance company will need to process your claim. This includes
- All involved drivers’ names, driver’s license numbers, contact information, and injuries
- All passenger names, contact information, and injuries
- All witnesses’ names and contact information
- All vehicle makes, models, years, and colors
- All vehicle registration numbers
- All vehicle license plate numbers
You’ll also want to take down the names and badge numbers of the police who respond to the accident scene and request of copy of their official report. If you are uninjured, call your insurance company from the scene, as well, as they may dispatch a claim adjuster directly to the accident location to assess the damage and begin the claims process.
Lucas Auto Care in Cypress, TX, hopes you never need to use our collision services, but if you do, we’re here for you. Contact us for more information on our auto body services.
