According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 13 car accidents occur every single minute. Whether you have just been involved in a car accident or are new to the road, it is important to familiarize yourself with the necessary steps to care for yourself and your car in the event of a car crash.

What To Do After An Accident

Check for injuries and get to safety

The first thing to remember after a crash is to stay calm and assess yourself for any injuries. If you are injured or your passengers are injured, call 911 or tell a bystander to do it, and try not to move while help arrives.

If you and your passengers are uninjured, it is best to move to the side of the road and out of traffic.

Moving your car after an accident

According to North Carolina law, it is prohibited to have stranded vehicles on the main traveled portion of the road except when they are disabled.

If your car is still drivable and is causing a hazard to other cars on the road, put your hazard lights on and move it out of the way. Remember this may impede the police investigation later on, so if possible take pictures to document the accident before moving your car.

Otherwise, if your car is causing a hazard or is disabled, turn off your engine, and leave your car where it is with the hazard lights on.

Call 911 and wait for help

Whether the car accident was a minor fender-bender or a major collision it is important to notify the police of the crash. In North Carolina, drivers are required to contact a law enforcement agency if there is injury or death to any person or property damage that exceeds $500. 

Document the accident and exchange information

If all members of the car accident are unharmed, it is best to exchange contact information with the other driver(s).

Here is the most important information to exchange after a car accident:

• Full name, email, phone number
• Insurance company and policy number
• Driver’s license and license plate
• Type, color, and model of vehicle
• Location of the car accident

To assist with the police report and protect yourself, document the accident by taking the following steps.

• Identify the responding police officers with their names and badge numbers
• Get a copy of the police report. Your insurer may ask for this when filing a claim.
• Take pictures of the accident from multiple angles
• Talk to any witnesses and exchange contact information

Notify your insurance company and get roadside assistance

If possible, it is always best to call your insurance company at the scene of the accident. The representative on the phone should be able to tell you what to do and what not to do. Get the claim started as soon as possible and provide any information they may need to move things forward.

If your vehicle is disabled, check to see if your insurance company offers roadside assistance or towing. If you are a AAA member or other road club member you may be able to get towing from there. Otherwise, you can hire a towing company to bring your car to a shop. 

Choosing an auto body shop & Repairing your vehicle

Insurance companies cannot force you to choose a particular shop, but they can steer you in the right direction by providing a list of preferred mechanics. 

If you don’t have a regular auto body shop, consider the following when making a decision. 

• Compatibility with your insurance company
• Check if the mechanic is ASE certified
• Ask if the shop has been vetted and affiliated with AAA
• Consider your car brand’s auto shop since they know your car best and may not void the warranty
• Ask if they offer warranties if the initial repairs do not fix the damages
• Read online customer reviews

Understanding your car estimates

After finding several auto body shops, ask for an estimate and research the factors of collision repair costs and dent repair estimates. Once you feel confident, make a decision and choose an auto repair shop.

Getting your car repaired

After choosing an auto repair shop, ask your mechanic to discuss the process with you and get a full breakdown of the repairs your car needs. Double-check with your insurance company about any repair shop documentation or other requirements you will need to be reimbursed for repairs. 

Depending on your insurance company, you may need to show an itemized list of repairs and cost estimates. Some companies need to approve this list before any repairs are made. Make sure the insurance company and garage are on the same page. 

How long do I have to get my car repaired after an accident?

One of the most troubling aspects of a car accident can be the inconvenience of not having a car. It is important to note that in most cases, you only have to bring your car in for repairs after an accident. Many insurance claims will have a statute of limitations that states your timeframe for repairs exactly before the claim is no longer valid.

Getting around without your car

The amount of time it takes to repair your car depends on the severity of the damage, the mechanic’s schedule, and the difficulty of finding the parts. If you won’t have your car for more than a day, consider renting a car, getting a loaner from the dealership, or getting rides from a friend.

After the repairs

The mechanic will give you a call once your car is repaired and ready to be picked up. Before you drive your car home, there are a few things you should do to make sure everything is in order.

• Ask the mechanic for a walkthrough of the repairs they made
• Go through the itemized bill, make sure you understand what everything means, and ensure it resembles the estimates you were given
• Go for a test drive
• Pay for the repairs

If you were found at fault for the accident, you will need to pay your deductible before your insurance company authorized repairs. If you were not at fault, your insurance company should work with the other driver’s insurance to reimburse you for your deductible.

If the repair shop was preferred or recommended by your insurance, some companies will pay the shop directly instead of reimbursing you. Claims are typically paid within 30 days.

More than just a body shop – UltraColor Collision & Paint

When an unfortunate event occurs, we aim to make your life easier. At UltraColor Collision & Paint, we can handle all the steps, from getting your car to our collision/auto body repair shop to the paperwork for filing the insurance claim. Give us a call as soon as you need us and we will come to pick up you and your car and get to work so you can be back on the road and ready to go as quickly as possible.