What to Do After a Car Accident

Every Buffalo driver hopes that he or she will never have the need to file a car accident insurance claim. But it’s always better to be prepared, which is why it’s important to know what to do after a car accident. Our collision center team at Joe Basil Chevrolet wants you to be aware of what you should do in just such an event, so we’ve put together the handy guide below. We’ll also talk about how to file a car insurance claim.

What to Do After a Car Accident: Checklist

Minor Accidents

1. The first step is to always check to see if you or your passengers need medical attention. Call an ambulance ASAP if medical attention is needed.
2. If you are okay to do so, pull over to a safe area near the scene. Don’t travel too far from the scene of the accident, but make sure you are not blocking traffic.
3. Call the police. It is important to have an official report documented, as your insurance company may require it.
4. Exchange contact information. Exchange contact information with the other driver(s) involved. It’s also important to get a photo of everyone’s driver’s licenses, license plate numbers, and insurance cards. Don’t forget to get contact information from any witnesses to the accident.
5. Document the damage to the vehicles. Take detailed photos of the damage to both your vehicle and the other vehicle or vehicles involved. It is also a good idea to photograph the accident scene if you can.
6. Call your insurance provider. The claims process can begin once you provide them with the details of the accident.

Major Accidents

• Call 911 right away. If you have experienced serious injuries, be sure to contact emergency personnel as soon as possible, or have someone call on your behalf. Police will also likely arrive on the scene to assess the damage. If you need immediate medical attention, you will not be able to get the documentation you need. However, the police will likely gather the information you need for you. Follow up with the police when you are able to do so.
• Contact your insurance provider. Follow up with your insurance provider even if someone else already filed a claim on your behalf. They may need additional information from you.
• Follow up with your physician. Visit your regular physician if you are still having pain or issues after receiving emergency care.

How to File a Car Insurance Claim

Not sure how to file a car insurance claim? Fortunately, filing a car accident insurance claim should be relatively straightforward. Keep in mind that the process may vary a bit from provider to provider. You will need the following information to file a claim:

• Your insurance policy number
• Detailed description of how the accident occurred
• Date, time, and location of the accident
• All the collected contact and insurance information from other involved parties
• Name of the police department involved, as well as the police report number (if applicable)

Your vehicle will then be evaluated by an insurance adjuster who will help you estimate the cost of your repairs, coverage, and more. If they are not able to do the assessment based on the photos and police report that have been submitted, it may have to be inspected in person.

Joe Basil Chevrolet of Depew is Here to Help

Did you know that we have an onsite collision center that can take care of repairing your vehicle in case of an accident? We can get an estimate out to your insurance company in a timely manner. So, call on us in the unfortunate event of a car accident. If you’d like to learn more, check out our post on what liability insurance covers as well as our other automotive tips. We’re just a short drive away from Lancaster, so drop by or contact us today!