When you’ve just been in a car collision, you’re probably not thinking very clearly. It’s a scary thing to be in a car accident and your mind will be racing a mile a minute. Here’s a few good things to remember in case of collision; if you write this list down and put it in your glove box, you’ll be able to stay on top of the most important things to do without having to rack your brain for them.
1. If you are injured, don’t move. This is fairly basic, so hopefully you won’t need your list to remember it – because even reaching for the glove box can cause you more injury if something has happened to your back or you’ve broken bones. Stay put and wait for an ambulance.
2. If you aren’t injured, get out of the car away from traffic. If you’ve already pulled over to the shoulder and have plenty of room, carefully get out the driver’s side. If you don’t have room to exit without risking traffic, climb out the passenger side instead. Move away from the vehicle; cars often see a vehicle on the shoulder and think it’s a lane, so staying next to it can be dangerous.
3. If you need help, medical or otherwise, call the police. The police can help if you’ve been in a hit-and-run, if you, the driver, or any passengers are injured, or if you’re having trouble settling insurance with the other driver. If the other driver does not have insurance, call the police. You’ll want a police report for your insurance to use.
4. If you and the other driver are fine, exchange insurance information. If their insurance information is up-to-date, write down everything on the card word for word and call your insurance company before you let them go. You’ll want your insurance company to check the information. Suggest the other driver do so as well; this makes it feel more like a standard procedure and less like you’re suspicious they’re possibly not on the level.
5. If something doesn’t feel right for any reason, call the police. If the other driver is making you feel unsafe, stay in your car with the doors locked and call the police. Wait for them to arrive. If the other driver demands to know what’s going on (after all, they may just want your insurance info so they can leave) crack the window and explain you’re waiting for the police and so should they. Write down their license plate number while you’re waiting.
6. Call your insurance and collision repair shop. Some insurance companies want you to use their collision repair shop, especially if you’re dealing with the other driver’s insurance. You do not have to use their shop! Use the collision repair service you trust and feel most comfortable with. It is not your job to make things cheaper or easier for the other insurance company. Your collision repair service may also be able to get you towed to the shop more quickly than your insurance can.
We hope you avoid collisions throughout your driving lifetime, but if you do need a quality repair shop for whatever reason, contact Vinart Body Shop for the best repairs and service in Lehigh Valley, PA.
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