Even a minor fender bender can be a major inconvenience. It often requires an insurance claim and a few days at the auto body shop, during which you cannot drive the vehicle. Worse, you could find yourself at risk from passing traffic while you wait for the authorities to arrive. To minimize the hassle, below are some steps to take after you experience an auto accident.

What Are the Steps to Take After an Auto Accident?

1. Pull to Safety

Do not leave the scene of the accident but move the car out of traffic and somewhere safe. If your car is still drivable, pull into a nearby parking lot to get off the street completely. 

If you are on a highway or expressway, pull to the shoulder of the road and engage your hazard lights to alert other motorists to your presence; this is important at any time of day, but particularly at night. Make sure everyone in your car is safe and uninjured.

2. Call the Authorities

Call 911 to request the police send an officer to your location. Before you call, determine where you are by landmarks, mile marker signs, or nearby intersections. Tell the dispatcher if anyone is injured and whether you need an ambulance. 

If your car is not drivable, call a tow service, so they can tow it to an auto body shop for repairs. Remain in the vehicle until the police arrive; the lights on the cruiser will warn others of your predicament.

3. File a Police Report

When the officer arrives, provide your name, contact data, and insurance information, and show your license and registration. Explain how the accident occurred, from your point of view. The officer will interview all parties, including witnesses, and prepare a report. 

You will need a copy of this report to file with your insurance claim. For best results with your claim, take photos of the scene, any pavement skid marks, and the damage to your car, to substantiate your side of the story.

For reliable bodywork after a fender bender, contact the experts at Collision Masters, the premier auto body shop in Fairbanks, AK. They are locally owned and service all makes and models of foreign and domestic vehicles. They specialize in collision repair and framework, as well as auto painting and detailing. They are renowned throughout the region for their quick turnaround times, exceptional handiwork, and competitive pricing. Learn more about this trusted auto body shop on their website or call (907) 451-8456 to schedule an appointment.