What steps should be taken following a car wreck?

In the aftermath of an accident, the number-one priority is checking for injuries. Once any injury concerns have been addressed, you'll need to start taking the necessary steps to return your vehicle to a safely operable condition. Here's a look at five important steps to take after a car accident.

Check for Injuries

In the harrowing moments following a collision, it's important that everyone remains as calm as possible and checks for injuries. If it seems that there's any chance that someone has suffered an injury, then you'll want to seek medical help. Oftentimes, car accidents cause serious injuries that don't seem severe in the immediate wake of the accident. Shock and adrenaline can mask pain, but that doesn't mean serious bodily damage hasn't occurred. It's always best to play it safe and get medically evaluated if there are any concerns whatsoever.

Call the Police

If there's any dispute over who caused the accident, an officer can help with sorting that out. Then, you may want to use the police report to show your insurance agent that you were not responsible for the collision.

Gather Evidence

As long as you're sure you don't need medical attention, it's worth taking some pictures of the accident scene if they'll help to show that you weren't at fault. If the other driver is cooperative, you'll also want to snap photos of their license and proof of insurance.

Contact Your Insurance

By contacting your insurance while still at the scene, the agent can make sure that you've collected everything you'll need to help with successful claim processing. You'll then want to send over any evidence/documentation to them.

Entrust Repairs to a Reputable Body Shop

Your insurance agent might recommend that you go to a specific shop, but it's ultimately up to you to decide where to bring your vehicle for the repairs. At that point, you'll want to choose a body shop that has extensive experience with returning damaged vehicles to their pre-accident condition.

If you need collision repair, be sure to bring your vehicle to a reputable body shop. For auto body repair in Columbus and Lancaster, OH, visit the experts at Keen's Body Shop. Keen's also specializes in truck & fleet body work in Columbus, OH. And feel free to use our easy online estimate tool!