Cassels Garage

What to Do in Case of an Auto Accident

Published on October 25, 2020
man takes photo of auto accident damage

If you’ve ever been in an auto accident, unfortunately, you’re not alone. 2018 data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that there were over 6 million police-reported auto accidents.

Do you know what to do if you’re involved in a car accident?

Cassels Garage serves all of Brevard Country Florida with the best auto repair and maintenance services in the area. With over 50 years’ experience, we are here to serve you. We know accidents are an unfortunate probability that comes with car ownership. We want to see you safe on the road.

Store important documents inside your car

Be sure to have all relevant documents and information easily accessible inside your vehicle, including your insurance card, registration, and your driver’s license. If you want to go a step further, be sure to have documentation of any significant medical information about you or others in your vehicle.

What to do after an auto accident

While we hope you are never in an accident, but you need to be prepared just in case. The Insurance Information Institute suggests the following:

1. Check yourself for injuries

Check yourself for injuries. Call 911 if you are hurt. If you cannot do this yourself, ask a passenger to do so for you. If you are seriously injured do not move, and wait for emergency responders to arrive on the scene.

2. Check the passengers in your vehicle

After you have done a self-assessment and if you are capable, check your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, contact emergency responders

3. Find a safe place

Assuming you are able, move your vehicle onto the side of the road or a sidewalk. In the event of extensive damage, leave your vehicle where it is and wait for assistance. Your main priority is to get yourself to safety and out of harm’s way.

4. Don’t leave the scene

This is self-explanatory.

5. Collect information

At this point, you want to get contact information for everyone involved. If there are witnesses, gather their information as well. Try to gather the following intel:

  • Driver’s license
  • Registration
  • Insurance
  • Vehicle make and model

Take photos of the scene and your vehicle for insurance purposes. If you can, record information about the time, date, weather and road conditions, etc. The more info you have the better.

6. Contact the police

This is especially true if anyone is hurt. Once officers are on the scene, collect their badge numbers and names. This will help you get access to the accident report when the time comes.

7. Protect yourself with an incident report

Even if it’s a minor fender bender and the police or state patrol aren’t called, you need to file an incident report to protect yourself. You also need the incident report when you go to file an insurance claim.

8. Contact your insurance company

Information in hand, it is time to contact your auto insurance carrier and start the claims process.

Cassel’s Garage knows that accidents happen, and we are here to help you get back on the road.

While we cannot prevent automobile accidents, we can help you pick up the pieces afterward. Our auto repair professionals in Melbourne, FL are here to assist you every step of the way. Contact our offices today.

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