What to Do After a Car Accident
Driving a car puts you at risk of being involved in a car accident, and most drivers will experience one in their lifetime. Every collision is different, but there are a few things you should do following every car accident for safety, legal, and insurance reasons. If you’ve been in a car accident, Collision Masters of Lexington offers several services, including towing, to get your vehicle roadworthy again
10 Things to Do After a Car Accident
- Stay Safe: Check yourself and your passengers for injury; call 911 if anyone has been hurt. If possible, move your car to the side of the road to help prevent a second accident.
- Don’t Leave The Scene: Leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offense in some cases and can also affect your ability to file an insurance claim for damages.
- Keep Your Cool: It’s crucial to remain calm after a car accident. Emotions run high after a collision, and things can quickly escalate if you engage with the other driver.
- Call The Police: No matter how minor the accident, you must call the police. An official report will be necessary for insurance claims and your legal protection. Asking for the full name and badge number of any officer you speak to will help you retrieve your report information in the future.
- Don’t Apologize: Never take responsibility for the accident or apologize to the other driver. It’s instinctual to say you’re sorry following an accident, but this can be misinterpreted as admitting fault for the collision.
- Exchange Information: Share important information, such as your full name, contact information, and insurance company’s name, with the other driver.
- Collect Evidence: Take photos and create voice memos or notes with relevant details, like the direction you were driving, the weather conditions, and where the impact occurred before leaving the scene. Your memory is not as trustworthy as you may think, especially after a traumatic incident.
- Call For Towing: It’s best not to drive your vehicle after an accident. Collision Masters of Lexington offers professional towing services to get your car to our collision repair center.
- File Insurance Claims: You should file a claim with your insurance company and the other driver’s. Your insurance company will usually disperse funds for collision repairs more quickly than the other driver’s. You’ll have to pay your deductible, which may be reimbursed once the case is settled.
- Call Your Doctor: Minor accidents don’t require medics at the scene, but you should still get a checkup with your family physician as quickly as possible. A subtle neck or backache may indicate a more severe injury that will worsen with time. Medical documentation is also necessary to file for disability or compensation from the other driver due to injuries.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
- Distracted driving is responsible for up to 50% of collisions. Anything that takes your attention away from the road, such as texting, talking to passengers, or driving while tired, counts as distracted driving.
- Driving under the influence of substances is another common cause of car collisions. You can be driving under the influence and not know it; many prescription drugs can cause drowsiness and dizziness and should not be taken before driving.
- Speeding – The faster your vehicle is moving, the less reaction time you have to avoid accidents.
- Inclement weather, including snow, rain, and fog, impairs your ability to see and safely maneuver your vehicle. You should always reduce your speed during bad weather and pull off the road if you cannot continue driving safely.
Contact Us
When you need the best collision repair near Lexington, KY, call our family owned and operated business at (859) 317-8545 or request an estimate online. Our certified technicians are happy to provide photo estimate assistance and many other services. Collision Masters of Lexington proudly serves the greater Lexington, KY, area, including Nicholasville, Jessamine County, Fayette County, and Woodford County, KY.
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