Any car accident can be a harrowing experience, even a minor fender bender. But taking the right steps afterward ensures you are protected and treated fairly, whether at the auto body shop or potentially in the courtroom. The car restoration experts at Bob Hastings Collision in East Rochester, NY, have helped customers deal with the aftermath of countless accidents since opening in 1972. They explain the important steps to take after a collision.

Make Sure Everyone Is Safe

The health of everyone involved in the accident should be the most important concern. If the vehicles can be moved, drive them safely out of traffic as soon as possible, and check that no one needs immediate medical attention.

Contact Police

Even for a minor fender bender, a police report mitigates the risk of later disputes about what happened in the accident. Call local authorities immediately and wait at the scene.

Contact Your Insurance Company

The terms of your insurance policy likely require that you inform your agent of any damage to your car, so call them even if the accident wasn’t your fault. Your insurance agent can guide you through any steps necessary to file a claim for auto body repairs.

Visit A Doctor

If there’s any chance you’ve been injured, visit a doctor as soon as possible. Symptoms from some head and spinal injuries can be subtle or may not manifest immediately. Get a clean bill of health from your doctor to avoid later complications.

Visit A Car Restoration Shop Or Collision Center

Once the medical and legal ramifications of a car accident have been dealt with, it’s time to address repairs. Take your car to a respected auto body shop with a strong local reputation to get back on the road.

In East Rochester, the trusted auto body shop is Bob Hastings Collision. With ASE and I-CAR certified technicians and over four decades in the business, they’ll restore your vehicle to the condition it was in before the accident. Visit them online to find out more, or call (585) 383-8150 to schedule your car restoration.