Post-Collision Checklist: What Do I Do After a Car Accident?
Nothing is quite as jarring as finding yourself in a vehicle collision. At Franklin Toyota, we know the stress, worry, and fright that occurs when such an unfortunate incident happens. However, if you stay calm, take a deep breath, and do what is necessary, everything will be alright.
To help prepare you for whatever is thrown your way while commuting near Statesboro, Metter, and Sylvania, our post-collision checklist is here. All you need to do is follow the steps below, and you’ll be ready–even when the unthinkable happens.
What to Do After a Vehicle Collision: A Step-by-Step Guide
Make Sure You’re Okay:
The most critical thing you do if you’ve been in a car accident is ensure you’re not hurt. Though you may be in shock, inspect your body for injuries and contact emergency services if you’ve found any. If you’re badly injured, try not to move, and request that someone calls 911 for you.
Check on Your Passengers:
If you’re able to move and speak, check to see if everyone else in the vehicle is alright. If not, act accordingly by calling the police for immediate help.
Get to Safety
Next, make sure your vehicle is not in a hazardous spot. If it is, move it to the side of the road if you can. Ensure your hazard lights are enabled and make use of any flares in your vehicle emergency kit if you have one. Then, get to a safe place on the side of the road or a nearby sidewalk.
Contact the Police:
If you haven’t already, report the collision to the authorities whether you’re at fault or not. This is an important step as any information they obtain will be highly useful when filing a claim with your insurance company.
Exchange Information:
Now that you are safe and assistance is making their way towards the scene, exchange information with everyone involved in the incident. You’ll need the following:
Full Names
Phone Numbers & Contact Information
Insurance Company Names & Policy Numbers
Driver’s License Numbers
Vehicle’s Plate Numbers
Year, Make, Model, & Color of the Vehicles
Exact Location of Collision
Document What Happened:
Next, you’ll want to record any and all information about what happened. This includes speaking to witnesses and getting their information, taking pictures of the accident from multiple angles, and receiving a copy of the police report.
Contact Your Insurance Company:
It might be a good idea to start filing your insurance claim right at the scene of the accident. This ensures you’ll have all the information they need while your mind is still fresh. Plus, the sooner you contact them, the sooner everything can be resolved.
Contact Your Authorized Service Center:
With everything being taken care of, it’s time to get your vehicle back on the road again. At our Toyota dealership, we offer a state-of-the-art collision center ready to help you.
Don’t Let a Traffic Collision Stop You in Your Tracks
Our professionals specialize in extensive repairs and bodywork in a timely manner, so you can get back on the road quickly. To schedule an appointment near the Statesboro, Metter, Sylvania area, reach out to Franklin Toyota today.