What To Do After A Car Accident
What To Do After A Car Accident:
A Step-By-Step Guide from the Vic Vaughan Toyota of Boerne Certified Collision
When involved in a collision, it’s your right to choose the shop that repairs your vehicle.
If your vehicle needs to be towed, please call us right away, even before you call your insurance provider. No one can dictate where your vehicle can be towed or repaired: not the police, towing or insurance company. You have the rights to take your vehicle to any automotive collision center you want.
At Vic Vaughan Toyota of Boerne Certified Collision, the choice is simple. Our Toyota Certified Technicians are factory-trained experts who restore your vehicle to Toyota’s exacting factory specifications. With Toyota Genuine Parts, you’ll get the same quality, safety, and appearance that made you choose a Toyota in the first place—helping preserve your warranty and protect your investment. Trust us to deliver the quality you deserve, so you can hit the road again with complete confidence.
STEP 1: CHECK YOURSELF FOR INJURIES.
If you are injured, call 911 or ask someone if you are incapable. If you’re seriously injured, try not to move and wait for emergency personnel.
STEP 2: CHECK ON YOUR PASSENGERS.
If you're able to move, check on the safety of your passengers. If anyone is injured, call emergency services immediately or ask a bystander to make the call for help.
STEP 3: GET TO SAFETY.
If possible, move yourself to the side of the road or onto a sidewalk. If your car is drivable and poses a hazard where it’s stopped, carefully steer it to a safe spot. If it’s not safe to move, leave the vehicle where it is and prioritize getting you and your passengers to safety.
STEP 4: CALL 911.
Whether it’s a minor fender-bender or a major collision, notifying the police is essential—and in some states, it’s legally required. Officers will document the accident scene and file an official report. If police can’t respond to the scene, you can visit the nearest station to complete a report yourself. Keep in mind your insurer may request a copy of the police report to assist with the claims process.
STEP 5: WAIT FOR HELP.
Turn on your hazard lights, turn off your engine, and use any road flares in your emergency car kit to warn other vehicles to slow down.
STEP 6: EXCHANGE INFORMATION.
After making sure you and any passengers are uninjured, exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. Here are some of the most important details drivers should exchange after an accident:
- Full name and contact information
- Insurance company and policy number
- Driver’s license and license plate number
- Type, color, and model of vehicle
- Location of accident
Avoid discussing fault when going over the facts with the other driver. When you file an insurance claim, the adjuster reviewing your claim will determine who’s at fault based on an inspection of the vehicles and/or property damaged, information provided by you and the other parties involved in the accident, and any supporting documentation, like the police report or photographs from the scene.
STEP 7. DOCUMENT THE ACCIDENT.
- Identify the officers.
Once the police arrive, get the name and badge number of all responding officers. - Get a copy. Ask the police officers present where you can obtain a copy of the accident report. Your insurer may ask for a copy of the report when you file a car insurance claim.
- Take pictures. Document the accident thoroughly by taking pictures of your vehicle from different angles, showing the damage done to both cars. It might also be a good idea to take pictures of the other car’s license plate. You may be able to share photos with your insurer during the claims process to help support your claim.
- Take down names. Write down the names and addresses of all parties involved, including any passengers in the other vehicle.
- Talk to witnesses. If there were any witnesses to the accident, take down their names and their contact information as well.
STEP 8: VIC VAUGHAN TOYOTA OF BOERNE CERTIFIED COLLISION
You may want to call your Toyota Certified Collision after the accident. That way, they can tell you exactly what they will need to in order to get you back on the road. Call to schedule collision service today!
An accident can shake up even the most experienced driver, but taking the right steps can help ease the stress. By staying calm and focused, you’ll be better prepared to work with your insurance company and get your vehicle repaired quickly and smoothly.