What to Do After a Car Accident

Whether major or minor, car accidents can be jarring and disorienting for everyone involved. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you know what to do after a car accident so that you’re prepared in worst-case scenarios. Learn about everything from how to file a car insurance claim to how to get an estimate for repairs with Byers Collision Center.

What to Do After a Car Accident: Checklist

Minor Accidents

Were you involved in a fender-bender near Pickerington, or did someone hit your car in a parking lot? Here is what to do after a minor car accident like this:

• Before anything else, ensure that you and your passengers are okay. If anyone needs medical attention, call an ambulance immediately.
• If everyone is in stable condition, pull your vehicle to a safe spot. Don’t stray too far from the scene of the accident, but remove yourself from traffic.
• Call the police, even if the other driver suggests not to do so. You will want official documentation of the accident.
• Exchange information with the other driver, including phone numbers, email addresses, and insurance policy details. If you are able, take photos of the other driver’s license, license plate numbers, and insurance cards. Ask for the contact information of witnesses, too.
• Take photos of your vehicle and others involved to document the damage. Get a photo of the accident scene as well.
• Call your insurance provider as soon as possible, even if you are not at fault in the accident. The sooner you make a car accident insurance claim, the sooner the claims process can begin.

Major Accidents

Major accidents require much more urgent action than minor accidents, as they can result in serious injuries or even fatalities. Here is what to do after a major accident in the New Albany area:

1. Call 911 immediately. If you cannot do so yourself, a passenger or another driver will have to take charge, if possible. The police and an ambulance will arrive to assess the scene, damage, and injuries. Officials will gather the information necessary to proceed with car accident insurance claims.
2. Contact your insurance provider as soon as you can. It’s possible that someone filed an insurance claim on your behalf while you were receiving medical attention. If that’s the case, still be sure to follow up and provide additional information as needed.
3. Follow up with your doctor if you need continued medical attention or encounter more pain following the accident.

How to File a Car Insurance Claim

Filing a car accident insurance claim is relatively straightforward. The process may differ depending on your provider and coverage, but how to file a car insurance claim is mostly universal. When you do, provide the following information:

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

Once the car accident insurance claim is filed, an insurance adjuster will evaluate your vehicle to provide an estimate on the cost of your repairs, what’s covered by your insurance, and more. If photos of the accident scene and damage are not sufficient, you will have to meet with the insurance adjuster for an in-person inspection.

Let Byers Collision Center Help You Get Back on the Road

Turn to Byers Collision Center to schedule repairs after an accident. Our Columbus technicians will do everything they can to get you back on the Gahanna roads as quickly as possible, from simple dent repair to full collision repair. Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have.