How to Report a Car Accident
You can do your best to obey the rules of the road and practice good driving judgement while traveling around Brockton, Randolph, and Stoughton, but getting into an accident can be beyond your control. Whether your vehicle is directly involved or you see an accident occur on the road, every driver should know how to report a car accident.
Having this information in mind will help you remain calm, get help to the scene if needed, and ensure that the proper information is provided to the police or your insurance company.
Before You Report a Car Accident
Before you get to the reporting stage, confirm that nobody’s hurt first. If you were directly involved in the accident, pull your car to the side of the road and shut it off.
If someone is seriously injured, call 911 immediately. Getting an ambulance for somebody who’s hurt always should always take precedence.
Reporting a Car Accident to the Police
Even if you just got into a minor fender bender, if there has been any level of damage sustained to the cars involved, you’re going to want to call or visit your local police station and get a report filed for the accident. Later, this report can help in the dealings with your insurance company and the other party involved.
Be prepared before you dial with the answers to the following:
- Where did the accident take place?
- What happened?
- How many people were involved?
- Were there any injuries?
- What are the names of the driver(s) and passenger(s)?
- What is the insurance information for both parties?
- Were there any witnesses? What is their contact info?
Reporting a Car Accident to Your Insurance Company
Once a police report has been filed, you’re going to also want to report the accident to your insurance company to get the process of filing a claim, determining fault, and reaching settlement started.
Here are some tips to follow:
- Take pictures of the damage to both cars.
- Call as soon as you are calm enough to do so.
- When telling your story, stick to the facts.
- Don’t accept immediate offers or sign to settle right off the bat.
Reporting a Car Accident to Your Local Collision Service Provider
If your car sustained damage from the incident, there’s one more party you want to keep in mind when it comes to how to report a car accident after both the police and your insurance company have been notified: a professional collision repair facility in the area.
Collision 24—located in the heart of Brockton, MA—is proud to be the collision repair center on speed dial of countless South Shore drivers.
Our team of collision specialists are well-versed in all thing accidents. We have expert auto appraisers on staff and professionals who will work with your insurance company during the claims process to ensure you get the required repairs for your vehicle, paid out to the maximum your policy allows.
If you’ve been involved in an accident in Brockton, Randolph, or Stoughton, call us today.