If you’ve ever been in a car accident, you’ll probably never forget the trauma associated with the experience.
The loud crash.
Concern about the safety of everyone involved.
The fear of what you’ll find when you exit the vehicle and survey the damage.
Regardless of whether you’re at fault, if you’re involved in a collision, you’ll likely be nervous or a little shaken. So, remember these eight steps to follow, to keep the associated trauma at a minimum.
STOP immediately.
Do not obstruct traffic.
ASSIST the injured.
Instruct someone to call police. Do this even if the other party tells you that you don’t need to call. If no one arrives, repeat after five minutes. When medical attention is needed, call 9-1-1. In the event medical attention is not needed, make sure you are not in imminent danger at the roadside.
SECURE names, phone numbers, addresses of other drivers, witnesses and injured parties.
Before taking time to exchange this information, make sure you are out of harm’s way. If there are no injuries and the vehicle is drivable, safely move to the right or left emergency lane. Some state laws require drivable vehicles to be removed from the roadway to avoid traffic congestion. Turn on your hazard lights and set out warning flares or reflective triangles. Never leave the scene of the crash. Instead, find a safe place to remain until emergency services arrive.
RECORD the make, model, license numbers of all cars involved.
Make sure you record names, addresses, email addresses, vehicle information including VIN and license plate numbers, driver’s license numbers (take a picture), insurance carrier and policy numbers.
TAKE photos of the accident scene or make a rough drawing.
Show the position of cars and other details. Don’t forget to take shots of the location, people involved and damaged vehicles.
DON’T hastily accept a claim settlement at the scene of an accident.
GET back on the road quickly.
REMAIN calm, courteous and consistent in your account of what occurred.
Notify your insurance carrier within 24 hours of the accident. Most companies have staff available 24/7 who can immediately assist. Having proof of insurance in your vehicle is required by law and makes filing a claim easier if you are not at home.NEVER accept the “auto body partner” recommendation your insurance company may provide.
Body shops sometimes offer reduced rates in exchange for insurance recommendations. But this means the incentive goes to the insurance company instead of the owner of the car. Make sure your interests remain your auto body shop’s primary concern.
CONTACT C&L Auto Body Shop in Covina, for thorough and efficient service (626) 445-6630.
We have been restoring cars to pre-collision condition since 1970. We fix everything from a little scratch to a big gash.
About C&L Auto Body
If you can’t avoid putting pedal to the metal to avoid a ticket or an accident, contact C&L Auto Body. You have options when it comes to auto body repair needs which result from an accident. And it is illegal for your insurance company to demand you use one shop over another. The “go-to” partner for auto body repair in the San Gabriel Valley since 1970 is C&L Auto Body. We will even help you arrange for a rental car and work directly with your insurance company, so you won’t have to! C&L Auto Body is owned and operated by the Buonsanti family, who strives to treat clients like family. Come by the shop at 781 E San Bernardino Road in Covina, contact us via email today, call (626) 445-6630 or visit CandLAutoBody.com.