A car accident is stressful, disorienting, and over in seconds — and what you do in the minutes and days afterward can shape how smoothly everything goes from there. Whether you're on I-64 near Huntington, crossing one of the Ohio River bridges, or just pulling out of a parking lot in Barboursville, the steps below will help you stay safe, protect yourself, and get your vehicle repaired the right way.

1. Get to safety and check for injuries

Your safety comes first, always. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. If the vehicles are drivable and you're in a dangerous spot — a travel lane, a curve, a bridge — move to the shoulder or a nearby parking lot if you can do so safely. Turn on your hazard lights so other drivers can see you.

If a car isn't safe to move, leave it where it is, get yourself to a safe place away from traffic, and wait for help.

2. Call the police and get a report

Even for what seems like a minor fender-bender, it's worth calling the police. A police report creates an official, neutral record of what happened — which can matter a great deal later if there's any disagreement about fault or damage. Get the report number, or ask the responding officer how to obtain a copy.

3. Document everything at the scene

Your phone is your best tool here. Before vehicles are moved (if it's safe), take photos of:

• The damage to every vehicle involved, from multiple angles
• The position of the cars and the overall scene
• License plates, road conditions, and any traffic signs or signals
• Visible injuries

If there are witnesses, politely ask for their names and phone numbers. Memories fade fast, and a witness can be invaluable.

4. Exchange information — but don't admit fault

Swap the essentials with the other driver: name, phone number, insurance company and policy number, driver's license number, and license plate. Be polite and cooperative, but avoid saying anything that sounds like admitting fault — even a reflexive "I'm so sorry." Fault is for the insurance companies and the facts to determine, not something to settle at the roadside.

5. Notify your insurance company

Report the accident to your insurer as soon as you reasonably can. Give them the facts and the documentation you gathered. If the other driver was at fault, their insurance may ultimately be responsible — but your own company can help guide the process either way.

Not sure how claims work or who pays for what? Our guide to insurance claims & estimates walks through it, and we handle the claim paperwork for you when you choose us.

6. Get your vehicle to a shop you trust

Once you're safe and the claim is started, get your car to a reputable body shop for a proper assessment. If your vehicle isn't drivable, don't risk it — call the shop and they can help arrange to get it there.

At East End, that assessment starts with a free estimate. Depending on the damage, your repair might involve collision repair, frame straightening if the structure took a hit, auto painting and color matching, or auto glass replacement — often a combination. A good shop diagnoses all of it up front so nothing gets missed.

7. Stay informed while it's repaired

A trustworthy shop keeps you in the loop. We document everything for your insurer, file a supplement if hidden damage turns up once a panel comes off, and let you know exactly where things stand. You can even check your repair status online anytime.

Accidents happen to careful drivers every day. Handling the aftermath calmly — safety first, document everything, know your rights — turns a bad day into a manageable one. And when it's time to put your car back together, we're here for the whole Tri-State.

Helpful outside resources

For broader guidance, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) covers vehicle safety, and the Insurance Information Institute has clear, neutral explanations of how auto claims work.

Frequently asked questions