What to Do After a Car Accident

Whether you’ve recently been in a car accident or just want useful information for the future, the team at Dan Cava’s Buick GMC has put together a detailed guide outlining what to expect after a car accident. Accidents are traumatic experiences, no matter if they’re major or minor, and it may be hard to think clearly at the moment, so it’s critical that you know the basics of what to do. The guide below is split up into three parts: minor accidents, major accidents, and insurance claims. Feel free to contact our office if you have any questions or want more information about what to expect after a car accident.

What to Do After a Minor Car Accident

Minor accidents, such as rear-ending or fender-benders, don’t require the same level of attention as major accidents, but there are still several essential steps to follow. Here is what to do after a minor car accident:

1. Check to see if you or your passengers need medical attention; if so, call an ambulance right away.
2. If you and your passengers are unharmed, pull your vehicle off to a safe spot but stay close to the scene of the accident.
3. Call the police, no matter the level of damage in the accident, so there will be an official report documented. Your insurance company may require a report, and it’s good to have the accident on record anyway.
4. Exchange contact information, including phone numbers, insurance information, and email addresses with the other driver or drivers. Take pictures of drivers’ licenses, insurance cards, license plate numbers, and both cars involved in the accident. You should also get the contact information of any witnesses to the accident.
5. Document the accident with detailed photos.
6. Call your insurance provider and tell them the details of the accident, so the claims process can begin.

What to Do After a Major Car Accident

In case of a major accident, there are many more immediate steps to follow. Major accidents result in injuries for the drivers or passengers at the very least, so it’s essential that you act quickly and follow these steps:

1. Call 911 immediately, or have someone call 911 for you. You’ll want the police and emergency personnel on the scene as soon as possible to attend to any injuries and to assess the scene of the accident. Be sure to give all of your personal information and all information about the accident to the police.
2. Contact your insurance provider, just as with a minor accident, and give them all the information about the circumstances of the accident, so everyone can be properly compensated.
3. Follow up with your doctor, even if you’re no longer feeling any pain from the accident. Be sure to give them all the details of the accident and what the emergency personnel did to treat your injuries.

What to Expect After a Car Accident – Filing a Car Accident Insurance Claim

Filing an insurance claim is an essential part of the process following a car accident. The steps of how to file a car insurance claim are straightforward and usually don’t vary too much depending on the provider. Bring the following items with you when you go to file your claim:

• Your insurance policy number
• Detailed description of how the accident occurred
• Date, time, and location of the accident
• All the collected contact and insurance information from other involved parties
• Name of the police department involved, as well as the police report number (if applicable)

Your car will be evaluated by an insurance adjuster, who will determine the cost of the repairs and coverage. The evaluation might be able to be completed via photos and a police report, or you may have to bring your vehicle in to have it inspected in person.

Let Dan Cava’s Buick GMC Help You Get Back on the Road

Whether you have remaining questions about what to do after a minor car accident or you need any repairs following an accident in the Grafton area, don’t hesitate to turn to our state-of-the-art service center. We’re committed to offering you as much help as you need throughout the recovery process. You can even schedule an appointment right from our website if you’d like! We work with most insurance companies and offer a variety of service specials to help you save on your next appointment.