Have you ever been involved in a minor collision, such as a fender bender?
If so, you are not alone.
Unfortunately, car accidents are a common occurrence with millions of incidences, from minor fender benders to major collisions, being reported each year.
These accidents can be nerve-racking, raising many questions regarding what to do in the aftermath of the collision.
Car accidents can occur anytime and anywhere, including parking lots, highways, or even your own driveway.
If you are involved in an accident, such as a fender bender, staying calm and having a plan can aid in a speedy repair.
Here are some steps to follow if you are involved in a fender bender:
Keep These Items in Your Car if you ever run into a Fender Bender Collision
There’s an excellent chance you don’t have these items in your car; most of the population doesn’t, but they can be a real benefit if you end up in a fender bender. Make sure you have a first air kit, fire extinguisher, insurance information, and your in case of emergency contact information in your car.
People tend to think a fender bender is a minor accident; It can cause whiplash and you might end up with some small bumps and bruises. A first aid kit can help you if you end up with some small cuts.
Move the Car To Safety
Should I move my car? This is a common question that many are confused about upon getting into a minor fender bender. If a car rear-ends you on a major highway, it is best to move your car out of the line of traffic for safety purposes.
After doing so, you can proceed to turn on your hazard lights. This will allow you to remain visible to other drivers passing by. Check on the well-being of everyone in the vehicle, including yourself. Do not move the car if someone is hurt inside the car or the car cannot be safely moved off the road. Call 911 or ask someone else to do so on your behalf.
Exchange Information
After getting into an accident, you must exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. This information will prove useful when filing a claim with your insurance provider.
Exit your car on the opposite side of traffic. When exchanging information, avoid standing on the side of the car with passing traffic for optimal safety.
The following information should be exchanged:
- Full name
- Address
- Phone number
- Driver’s license number
- License plate number
- Vehicle make, model, and color
- Insurance company policy number
- Name and Phone numbers of witnesses
Document the Accident With Pictures
It is beneficial to document the scene of the accident; through detailed note-taking and photography. Take pictures of your car from different angles to show the damage that incurred.
What to do when the Police officer shows up to your Collision
When the police officer arrives to the site of the accident, ask for their name, badge number, and phone number. You may also want to ask the officer when you can receive a copy of the accident report. This may take a couple of days to acquire, but it is important to keep as part of your records.
Call Your Insurance Company after a Collision
It is crucial to call your car insurance provider, as soon as possible to jumpstart the process of filing a claim.
You will need to supply information related to the accident, so you may want to call while you are still at the scene of the accident.
Be sure you have obtained all necessary information from the other driver to pass along to your insurance provider. Your auto insurer should discuss the specifics of your coverage, such as your deductible and rental reimbursement coverage.
Choose A Repair Shop
Although your insurance company may make recommendations for you; it is ultimately up to you to choose a collision repair shop. The insurance company may make a payment directly to the repair shop or write a check to you to cover the costs of repairs.
The East End Body Shop Difference
Finding a reputable collision repair shop that you can rely on to fix your car can relieve stress and get you back on the road sooner, rather than later.
Being in a fender bender can be a stressful event; however, knowing what steps to take following a minor collision can help you handle the process with ease.
Experience the East End Body Shop difference. We try to make your collision repair streamlined, easy, and hassle free. We take care of everything, including working with your insurance company. Our customer service reps and technicians are committed to making your collision repair experience as positive as possible.
We know that sitting at a collision repair shop is the last place you want to be. We know it can be stressful, annoying, and frustrating to find yourself in need of collision repair. Every team member you interact with at East End Body Shop are knowledgeable, friendly, helpful, and professional. We aim to provide the best, and simplest, information to each of our customers.
Each of our technicians and customer service reps are hand picked and highly qualified; with experience in collision repair. Our collision repair techs are experts at structural, mechanical, body and refinish work.
Continuing Education is An important aspect of our company. We want all of our collision repair technicians to always understand and comply with industry best practices. Our team at East End Body Shop is second to none.
We’re here to help you with your car, truck, SUV, or van; we offer dent repair, windshield replacement, auto body repair, painting, or refinishing, we are your one stop shop.
Huntington, WV Collision Repair Services
East End Body Shop services the the vehicle repair needs of WV, Ohio and Kentucky. Ona, Milton, Huntington, Barboursville, Culloden, Catlettsburg, Hurricane / Teays Valley Ceredo, South Point, Kenova, Lavalette, Wayne, Proctorville, Chesapeake, Ironton and Ashland.
Here are just a few of the services we offer to the community:
- Free walk-in estimates. No appointment necessary
- Paintless Dent Repair
- Online Vehicle Status
- Windshield and Glass Replacement
- Custom Paint
- Auto Body Work
- Paint Jobs
- Collision Repair
- Detailing
If you find yourself in need of collision repair estimates due to an accident, or simply wanting to improve the appearance of your car; we hope you think of East End Body Shop in Huntington, WV.
Give us a call to set up an appointment (304) 525-5361
