What You Should Do Immediately After A Collision
Step 1. Assess the Situation
First of all do not put yourself in danger. After a minor or major collision make sure you and your passengers are ok. If you are ok, check on the other party or parties involved in the collision, and make sure they are ok too. Dial 911 if someone needs medical attention. Call 911 if you are involved in an accident that is more than a fender bender.
Step 2. Exchange Information
Exchange information with the other driver(s) involved in the collision and this includes:
- Name
- Address
- Driver’s license number
- Expiration date of license
- Date of birth
- Telephone numbers
- Vehicle’s year, make, and model
- Vehicle Identification Number
- Vehicle’s license plate and expiration date
- Name and address of insurance company
- Auto insurance policy number
If the driver involved in the collision does not own the car, you will also need the registered owner’s information:
- Name
- Address
- Driver’s license number
- Expiration date of license
- Telephone numbers
- Name and address of insurance company
- Auto insurance policy number
Step 3. DO NOT Admit Fault
Do not volunteer any information about who was to blame for the collision. You may think you are in the wrong and then learn that the other driver is as much or more to blame than you are. You should first talk to your insurance agent, your lawyer or both. Anything you say to the police or the other driver can be used against you later.
Do not agree to pay for damages or sign any paper except a traffic ticket, until you check with your insurance company or lawyer.
Step 4. Document, Document, Document
If you have a camera with you, take pictures of the scene, the other driver(s) and occupant(s). Take notes, pictures, and video (if applicable) of the following:
- Exact location of the collision
- Vehicle(s) involved
- License plate(s)
- Driver’s licence
- Insurance card
- Pictures of the accident with street signs or identifiable buildings in the background
- Close up pictures of the damage to all vehicles involved
- Pictures of the accident in all angles
- Parties involved
- Witnesses
Make notes too, on time of day, weather and road conditions. If the collision happened after dark, note whether the streetlights were on. Estimate your speed and that of the other vehicle. Be sure to record the exact time, date, and place the accident happened.
Step 5. Gather Witnesses
If you or the other party had passengers gather their information as well.
- Name
- Address
- Date of birth
- Driver’s license number
- Expiration date of license
- Telephone numbers
If there were any witnesses to the collision get their information too.
- Name
- Address
- Telephone numbers
You can also ask them to speak to the authorities, if they must leave, ask them to tell you what they saw and write everything down (or with their consent record their statement).
If somebody who saw the collision drives off, take down his or her license plate number. Law enforcement can trace the owner’s name and address.
Step 6. Speak to Law Enforcement
Cooperate with the police officer investigating the case, and stick to the facts. If law enforcement were called out to the scene of the accident take note of the officer’s information:
- Name
- Badge number
Ask the officer where and when you can get a copy of the collision report.
Step 7. Draw a Diagram of the Collision
Draw the positions of both cars before, during, and after the collision. If there are skid marks on the road, pace them off. Draw them on the diagram, noting the distance they cover. Mark the positions of any crosswalks, stop signs, traffic lights or streetlights.
Step 8. Call Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. When you talk to your insurance company get the following from your insurance company:
- Claim number
- Adjuster’s Name
- Adjuster’s Number
If your policy has the following provisions and you require these services:
- Get a reservation number for a car rental
- Get a tow truck (See step 9)
Now that you got that out of the way, it’s time to get your car fixed. And those are Steps 9 and 10!
Resource: WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE AN AUTO ACCIDENT?
“My car was badly ran into while I was driving back to southern California and my passenger door was ruined. West coast body and paint was just down the road so it brought it in. All i wanted was to get my door fixed and Jaider by far exceeded my expectations. It was probably the best customer service I ever had. Jaider was enthused to get my car fixed and when it was done I felt like my car looked better than before the accident.”
-Logan C, 2019
Thank you for taking the time to read this page.
As of January 2022 we have some good news and some bad news…
The BAD NEWS is we have moved out of our location and are in search of a new home for the West Coast Body and Paint shop.
The GOOD NEWS is that we have a West Coast Body and Paint mobile paint repair service unit that will come to you! The mobile paint unit provides auto services for minor body and paint repairs.
Our estimates are free. Once we receive your images we will provide you with an initial estimate. The estimate is a ballpark figure, and after we assess your vehicle’s damage in person, we will review the estimate with you. If you agree to the final estimate, we will begin repairing your car. Fill out the form below or contact us through WhatsApp to request a quote.
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If you were involved in a collision and need professional repair, please give us a call, text 818.793.7728 or email us wcbodyandpaint@gmail.com, we can help and give you a free estimate. We work with all insurance companies and will get you back on the road safely and quickly. Read our reviews and see our before and after pictures.