The Do’s and Don’ts to Follow After a Car Accident

It’s natural to feel shaken if you’re involved in a car accident. The experience takes you by surprise, and in the moments following the event you might be uncertain about what to do. Being prepared can help you better cope with everything that happens next, from contacting the authorities to scheduling collision repair work. Here are some basic dos and don’ts to keep in mind.

Do:

Contact the authorities.

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Even if the accident seems minor and neither you nor the other party suffered any injuries, you still need to file a police report. This serves as a form of official record that will be useful if you need to file a claim or the other party files a suit. The documentation includes vital information like the date, time, and location of the incident, any damages or injuries sustained, statements from both drivers and any witnesses, and any other important details, such as weather and traffic conditions at the time.

Take some photographs.

It’s also helpful to gather more evidence by taking a few photographs on your smartphone. Make sure you capture the entirety of the incident, including the condition of both vehicles and their exact positioning from different angles. Capture images of the road if skid marks are present, too. Since you may need to move your vehicle, try to get these pictures before doing so.

Don’t:

Leave the scene.

You may feel like it’s permissible to leave the scene of the accident if your vehicle is in good shape and you didn’t get injured, or if the other party seems fine. However, you should never do this since you may be charged with leaving the scene of the event. Whether you are at fault or not, always stay at the scene and wait for the authorities to arrive.

Settle by yourself.

The other party may attempt to negotiate a settlement if they’re at fault instead of risking their insurance rates going up. Don’t accept this, as you don’t know the precise scope of the damages and how much collision repair work your vehicle needs. Additionally, a lawyer can ensure that you get fair and just compensation for the accident.

If you seek a reliable professional for collision repair work after an accident, turn to Adrenaline Auto Body in West Salem, WI. Proud to serve drivers throughout La Crosse and Jackson counties, they offer a range of services to ensure your car is in the best possible shape. Rely on them for everything from dent removal to auto painting. Visit the website for more information, or call (608) 350-6382 to schedule an appointment.