How to Appropriately Respond to a Car Accident
To ensure the safety of yourself and others. If you are involved in an accident, it is important to stay calm and assess the situation. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Even if there are no obvious injuries, it is important to seek medical attention to be checked out for any hidden injuries.
Ensure Safety First:
The immediate priority after an accident is safety. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location, turn on hazard lights, and check for injuries among yourself, passengers, and others involved. Call 911 for medical assistance if necessary.
Notify Law Enforcement:
Contact law enforcement as soon as possible. It's crucial to report the accident to the police as they will create an official accident report, which can be valuable for insurance claims and legal purposes later on.
Exchange Information:
Exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved in the accident. Gather names, phone numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance details. It would be ideal to be polite and cooperative during this process. Also, make sure to get information from any witnesses as well.
Document the Accident:
Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, license plates, road conditions, and traffic signs. This visual evidence can be essential for insurance claims. Write down details such as where the accident took place, what the weather was like, etc.
Seek Medical Attention:
Even if you don't feel injured immediately, it's advisable to seek medical attention. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away, and a medical evaluation can help in documenting any injuries related to the accident.
Notify Your Insurance Company:
Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with all the necessary details, including the other driver's information and the accident report number.
Avoid Placing Fault:
While it's essential to cooperate with the authorities and share information, avoid admitting fault or making accusations towards anyone involved. Fault determination is often handled by the insurance companies and legal processes.
Contact an Attorney:
If the accident involves significant injuries or complex liability issues, consider consulting an attorney experienced in personal injury cases. They can provide guidance on your legal rights and potential claims.
Keep Records:
Maintain detailed records of all accident-related expenses, such as medical bills, repair costs, and any missed workdays due to injuries. This documentation will be crucial for insurance claims and potential lawsuits.
Follow Up with Insurance:
Stay in communication with your insurance company throughout the claims process. Cooperate with their investigations, provide requested documents promptly, and keep track of claim progress.
Additional Notes:
When you're using a body shop to get repairs to your vehicle, be aware that the insurance company can recommend a shop, but you are under no legal obligation to use its services. You have the legal right to choose the shop to do your repairs.
Also be aware that insurance companies sometimes try to dictate what type of parts are used in a vehicle's repair. They might insist that a shop not use Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts, as they are more expensive.
Partners
What our clients are saying about us
We have established longterm and stable partnerships with various clients thanks to our excellence in solving their automotive needs!
I called a few days ago to set up an appointment for new tires/ alignment. I was told I could be there at 8:00 am and I would be done by 10:30. To make a long story short, no fault of Zehners, the new tires did not arrive on time and I was informed of that the day before. I was offered a better quality tire for the same price I planned on paying. At 10:30 I was told those tires never showed up. Needing to make a prior appointment at 11:00 am they offered me their company S10 to do my errands. I used that truck for 2.5 hours to get my taxes done, etc. I used to go to another place where I received a considerable discount but you just can't beat the expertise, quality, and honesty. You really can't put a price tag on what it means to have the peace of mind you will be treated fairly and honestly each and every time. They honor their work and back it with a guarantee. No where else I'll ever go to get my vehicle worked on! It didn't go as planned but you made it more than right! Thanks again!
I have worked for Goodyear Aerospace, Loral and Lockheed Martin the past 36 years and the one constant during those years has been Zehner's Service Center for all my vehicle repairs. Starting with Ron at the front desk through all the mechanics at the center the atmosphere is friendly and professional. A few of the best qualities are that they listen to you and are honest about the work required. Depending on the situation with each individual vehicle they will advise the customer on work is required as well additional concerns, with no pressure for agreed upon work. Mechanics look at each vehicle for safety of the customer and suggest options for repairs with first priorities and later concerns. Bottom line; I have never had reasons to look anywhere else for servicing my car/truck repairs than at Zehner's Service Center.