Collision Repair Scares
Getting into an accident can be a scary experience – regardless of whether the event occurs around Halloween. In honor of the month of October, we wanted to share some scary auto accident stories – each of which can be avoided if you follow a few simple steps and take your vehicle to someone you can trust, like the professionals at C&L Auto Body in Covina.
Secondary Crash
It is common for people to exit his vehicle following a collision, only then to be hit by a passing car. Don’t assume you are safe to get out of your car. Pay attention to your surroundings. Doing so can be difficult to remember in the immediate aftermath of a crash. But the difference can mean life or death. Someone hit a war veteran from San Antonio last month when he stopped to offer aid. The Good Samaritan became the victim of a hit-and-run when he was mowed down as he tried to cross the street to reach the accident scene.
Changing Her Tune
After someone crashes into you, she may immediately start to apologize, only to later withdraw her initial admission of guilt. For this reason, contact police to report the accident, even if it seems like the other party will cooperate. But, calling the police is required only if people are injured and traffic is blocked. But it can afford protection, since you never know what could happen after the other driver leaves the scene of the crime. Another way to make sure she doesn’t change her story is to collect information from witnesses, when possible. Better safe than sorry.
While the other driver may willingly write down his information, ask to see his ID and take a photo of his driver’s license and insurance card. Believe it or not, people often provide false information at the scene of an accident. When this happens, your insurance coverage includes “uninsured driver” protection. But the process will be much smoother if your insurance company can deal directly with the other driver’s insurance rep. In fact, at C&L Auto Body, we will deal directly with your insurer to smooth the entire claim and repair process.
Keep Scares to a Minimum
- Think safety first.
- If you are in a car accident and can safely exit the vehicle on your own, call 911 to report injuries, if applicable, and to report the accident to police.
- Exchange license plate numbers and driver information.
- If you have a camera, take photographs of the damage, position of the cars, and the accident scene.
- Notify your insurance agent immediately.
- Do not argue about the accident. And, if the other party is aggressive, get back into your vehicle.
- Do not sign statements on scene.
- If the other party offers to pay your deductible, do not sign a statement of intent, as it could release the other party from responsibility.
- If you live in and around the San Gabriel Valley or Inland Empire, or your accident was in that vicinity, make an appointment with C&L Auto Body.
- Your repair center will work with insurance to evaluate the repair.
- You will have input about which course of action to take and to schedule repairs.
- Leave the repairs to the professionals.
About C&L Auto Body
While accidents can be scary any month of the year, at C&L Auto Body, we work hard to make things easy for customers – in everything from a little gash to a big crash. The “go-to” location for auto body repair and classic restoration in the San Gabriel Valley, since 1970, C&L Auto Body is known for our attention to detail, courteous service, and fair and affordable prices. If you select C&L to repair your car, our concierge service will help make your entire auto body repair process easy on you. We will even help you arrange for a rental car and deal directly with your insurance company. C&L Auto Body is owned and operated by the Buonsanti family, who strives to treat clients like family. Come by the shop 781 E San Bernardino Road in Covina, contact us via email today, call (626) 445-6630 or visit www.CandLAutoBody.com.
