A car accident is a sudden, jarring experience. In the immediate aftermath, it can be hard to know what to do. Collision repair may be needed, so you have to remain calm to maximize your insurance coverage. Murray’s Auto Body Shop has handled countless collision repair jobs during more than 50 years of service to Goshen, NY. Below, they educate drivers with five steps they should take, so they know exactly what to do in the event of a car crash.

5 Vital Steps To Take After A Car Accident

1. Get Out Of The Road

The first and most important thing to do is get out of the road. Sitting in a possibly disabled car in the middle of the street is a danger to you and other drivers. Make sure your warning flashers are on, and do whatever you can to get to the side of the road. If there was another car involved, aid them if necessary. 

2. Limit Moving The Car

Other than getting out of the flow of traffic, don’t move the car more than needed. You don’t know what damage has been done, and too much movement can lead to more expensive auto repairs. 

3. Document The Scene & Damage

If you have one, use a camera to photograph vehicle damage, the scene around the crash, tire tracks, general traffic flow, and as much as possible. Every little detail can be vital in getting insurance repairs paid in full. Also, document your injuries, the injuries to the other driver or passengers, damage to guardrails, and other objects around the crash site. 

4. Call The Police

Contact the authorities as they will bring order to the scene and keep traffic flowing as normally as possible. They can come and block off a lane if your car is immobile, and their reports are vital to insurance companies when handling collision repair. However, you should not admit fault to the police. Allow them to judge the scene objectively. This way, your insurance company will cooperate in paying for repairs.

5. Exchange Information

If it was a multi-vehicle accident, exchange insurance and contact information with other drivers. If this is not done, you may be liable for collision repairs on your car. Information from all drivers is needed to file insurance claims as well; more information is always better than less.

For more information on what to do in the aftermath of a car crash or to schedule collision repairs, contact Murray’s Auto Body Shop at (845) 294-6139. You can also follow them on Twitter or like them on Facebook for social media updates.