After a car accident, you might be stunned, confused, and unsure about what to do. You may be worried about passenger injuries or even the cost of collision repair. To help you stay as safe as possible after an on-the-road mishap, here is a list of steps to follow after an auto accident.

What to Do After an Auto Accident

1. Remain Calm

Don't lose your temper, even if the incident was not your fault and you believe the other driver did something foolish. Acting out road rage won't help. Take a few breaths to control your emotions.

2. Move Out of Traffic

If you are blocking traffic and your vehicle is not incapacitated, move out of the road to a place of safety. If there is a side street or parking lot nearby, park there. Do not leave the scene of the accident entirely, however. This is against the law in nearly every jurisdiction.

3. Check for Injuries

Make sure nobody in your car is injured. If everybody is safe, inquire about the safety of the other car's driver and passengers. If anybody needs medical care, call 911 and ask for an ambulance. Either way, call the emergency number and request a police officer’s presence.

4. Exchange Personal Information

Exchange information with the other driver. You'll need to know their name, phone number, insurance company, and policy number, as well as license plate number and driver's license number. Provide the same to them. If there were any witnesses, ask for their contact information as well.

5. Take Photos

While waiting for police officers to arrive, take photos of the scene to record what happened and where it occurred. Take shots of both vehicles, any damage, tire tracks, and relevant road signs.

6. Give Statement

When the police arrive, they will ask for your statement and information. Be polite and speak clearly while expressing your side of the event as effectively as possible. The officer will provide you with a pamphlet containing further instructions and a phone number to call.

7. Contact Your Insurance Agent

Call your auto insurance agent to explain what happened. They should walk you through how to file a claims report to the insurer. Your insurer may suggest a local collision repair shop with whom they have worked in the past; however, you can use a different shop if you prefer.

If you've been in a car accident, contact DADS Auto Body & Paint Inc., an experienced collision shop in Aiea, HI, for assistance. They've offered fast, affordable, expert collision repair to Oahu customers for more than 40 years. They also specialize in frame straightening, dent removal, and car paint scratch repair. Visit their website to view location details and business hours, or call (808) 487-3654 to schedule a collision repair appointment and free estimate.