Here is our checklist of best practices for everyone who has been in an auto accident and is wondering what to do next.
If you’ve been in a car accident (with other vehicles or alone):
- Get uninjured passengers out of the vehicle to the side of the road, safely away from the vehicle and oncoming traffic.
- Call 911. If you do not have a phone, ask at least two people to call on your behalf.
- Get the names, addresses and phone numbers of witnesses.
- Call H&V Collision Center.
- Do not attempt to drive your vehicle if it appears unsafe to drive. Have it towed to your collision center.
- Report the accident to your insurance agent or company within 24 hours.
- Report the accident to the DMV if damages to your vehicle are greater than $1,000.
- Do not make any statements about the accident to anyone but the police.
- Do not accept any informal settlements offered by other drivers involved.
If your car is damaged while parked, by hail or any other situation:
- Call H&V Collision Center to discuss your situation.
- Report the accident to the police if the damage appears to have been caused by another vehicle.
- Do not attempt to drive your vehicle if it appears unsafe to drive. Have it towed to your collision center.
- Report the damage to your insurance agent or company within 24 hours.
Once your car is safely at H&V Collision Center, the repair process can begin.
