The aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, especially if your vehicle suffers serious damage. Once you have dealt with any immediate priorities such as calling the police and notifying your insurer, you should visit a local collision center in Columbia, MO. This will provide you with accurate information about the repairs that are needed and the length of time it’s likely to take.
What Should You Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Columbia, MO?
Check for Injuries
The safety of you and your passengers should always be your main priority, so before anything else, you should check for any injuries. If anyone appears to be seriously hurt, it’s best to refrain from moving them unless there’s an immediate risk of fire. You may also need to consider calling an ambulance to deal with any urgent or serious injuries.
Move to a Safe Location
If it’s still possible to drive your car, and it’s in a hazardous location, you should move it to safety where there’s no risk from passing traffic. If the car cannot be moved, you should leave the vehicle and get yourself and any passengers to a safe place. It’s a good idea to leave the hazards flashing to warn other traffic of your car’s presence.
Call the Police
Under Missouri law, you must notify the police of any accident where there were any injuries, deaths, or property damage of more than $500. It’s a good idea to file a police report for all accidents, no matter how minor. This ensures there is a police record of the accident. You may need this later for your insurance company.
Exchange Details
When speaking to the other driver, stick to swapping the details needed for the insurance claim:
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
- License number
- Insurance information
- License plate
Call Your Insurer
Notifying your insurer promptly will allow your claim to be processed swiftly. You may be provided with a portal where you can upload your photos and any other information.
Drive to a Collision Center
The next step is to get your car to a trustworthy collision body shop. If your car is not drivable, the body shop may be able to organize for it to be towed. Once there, technicians can carry out a damage assessment and provide you with a full estimate. There may be hidden damage that’s not immediately visible, so a professional check is vital.
With a proven track record in helping our customers get back on the road, we can assist with all collision repairs. To find out more, contact us today at Joe Machens Auto Body in Columbia, MO.
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