Front-End Collision Repair vs. Rear-End Collision Repair

Front-End Collision Repair vs. Rear-End Collision Repair

Automobile accidents are an unfortunate reality that comes with driving a car, and collisions can occur from different angles, such as the front or rear of a vehicle. Each type of collision presents unique challenges for repair technicians, as the impact points and damages differ significantly. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between front-end and rear-end collision repairs, highlighting their distinct characteristics, repair processes, and potential implications for vehicle owners.

 

Front-End Collision Repair

Front-end collisions typically occur when a vehicle collides head-on with an object or another vehicle. These accidents often result in substantial damage to the front of the vehicle, including the hood, bumper, grille, headlights, and engine components. The impact may also affect the suspension, frame, and alignment. Most commonly, drivers find that their vehicle’s entire driving system has been damaged, including the CV axles, drive shaft, and transaxle. Since these pieces cannot usually be straightened, they must be replaced.

 

Repairing a front-end collision involves a comprehensive assessment of the damage, often starting with a thorough inspection to identify structural issues. The repair process may include:

 

Disassembly

The damaged components are carefully removed to evaluate the extent of the damage and assess the underlying structures. Disassembly could be necessary because there may also be hidden damage from a front end collision that you may not be able to see at first, including (but not limited to); Transmission damage, engine damage, or even suspension or frame damage.

 

Structural Repairs

If the frame or core structures are compromised, specialized equipment is used to realign or replace damaged parts to restore the vehicle’s structural integrity.

 

Component Replacement

Damaged parts, such as the bumper, grille, hood, headlights, and radiator, may need to be replaced to ensure proper functionality and aesthetics.

 

Mechanical Repairs

The collision might affect mechanical components, such as the steering, suspension, or braking systems, which require a thorough inspection and repair.

 

Paint and Finishing

After all repairs are complete, the vehicle is primed, painted, and finished to match the original color and appearance.

 

Rear-End Collision Repair

Rear-end collisions usually occur when a vehicle is struck from behind by another vehicle. The damages in such accidents primarily affect the rear section of the vehicle, including the trunk, rear bumper, tail lights, and sometimes the rear frame.

 

The repair process for rear-end collisions typically involves:

 

Assessment and Disassembly

The damage is assessed, and the affected components, such as the rear bumper and trunk, are carefully removed to evaluate the underlying damage.

 

Structural Repairs

In severe cases, where the rear frame or other structural elements are damaged, repairs may be necessary to restore the vehicle’s integrity.

 

Component Replacement

Damaged parts like the rear bumper, tail lights, and trunk may require replacement to ensure proper functionality and aesthetic appeal.

 

Bodywork and Finishing

Skilled technicians meticulously repair and restore the damaged areas, preparing them for painting and finishing to match the original appearance.

 

Which Causes More Damage—Front-End or Rear-End Collisions?

Generally, front-end collisions tend to be more damaging (and deadly). Even head-on collisions done at lower speeds can end up totaling your vehicle. On the other hand, read-end collisions are usually caused by one moving car crashing into the rear of one at a stop light. Since the vehicle that has been hit is not moving, the force behind the moving vehicle is not as catastrophic.

 

That said, both collisions will cause problems, not matter how small the accident. The type of collision and the subsequent repairs can have various implications for vehicle owners, including:

 

  • Safety considerations: Both front-end and rear-end collisions can impact the safety systems of a vehicle. It is crucial to have all safety features, such as airbags and sensors, inspected and restored to their optimal condition.
  • Resale value: Properly repaired front-end or rear-end collisions can help maintain a vehicle’s resale value. However, inadequate repairs or visible signs of damage can significantly impact its market worth.
  • Insurance claims: Understanding the differences between front-end and rear-end collision repairs can help vehicle owners navigate insurance claims more effectively. Having a clear understanding of the damages and repair requirements can ensure accurate estimates and coverage.
  • Alignment and drivability: Front-end collisions can affect the alignment and drivability of a vehicle. Proper alignment and calibration are necessary to ensure smooth handling and prevent additional wear on tires and suspension components.

 

Choose Elmer’s Auto Body For Your Collision Repairs

When it comes to front end collision damage versus rear end collision damage, it is clear that both types of accidents require specific expertise and techniques to restore the vehicle to its pre-accident condition. Whether it’s the extensive damage to the front end caused by a head-on collision or the rear section affected by a rear-end collision, professional repair services are crucial to ensure safety, functionality, and aesthetics.

 

Elmer’s Auto Body has over 75 years of experience in repairing both front-end and rear-end collision damage. Our highly skilled technicians have the knowledge and expertise to handle your vehicle with careful precision. We also pride ourselves in being a certified collision repair center for many popular manufacturers, including Kia, Hyundai, and Tesla. By relying on Elmer’s, the best body shop in New Jersey, you can have peace of mind.

 

Furthermore, Elmer’s Auto Body understands the importance of safety and ensures that all safety systems and components are thoroughly inspected and restored to their optimal condition. Our team also prioritizes alignment and drivability, ensuring that vehicles handle smoothly and are safe to drive after repairs.

Let’s restore your vehicle to its former condition. Give us a call today or send us a message online to schedule your appointment.

What Gets Damaged In A Front End Collision?

What Gets Damaged In A Front End Collision?

Introduction

A front-end collision is just about the worst type of automobile accident, at least in terms of the risk to the people involved. These kinds of crashes are much more likely to result in serious injuries and fatalities, especially if one or both vehicles were traveling at a high speed. However, assuming that you are not seriously injured in an accident like this, your next priority will likely be to assess the damage done to your vehicle. So, what gets damaged in a front-end collision?

The Bumper

For the sake of simplicity, let’s start at the front of the car and work our way backwards. When you are hit from the front, your bumper will generally take the first and worst of the initial impact. Thankfully, bumpers are made to withstand impact damage, but only to a certain degree. In a serious collision, the bumper will certainly be bent and may even be snapped in two.

It should be noted that many newer vehicles have a “hidden” bumper. This means that you cannot directly see the bumper, as it is covered by the panels of the vehicle’s exterior body. However, these panels are just thin plastic, so don’t expect them to survive a collision. Even if your bumper survives the damage, the outer panels probably won’t.

The Front Grille, Headlights, Fan, And Radiator

Again, assuming that you are hit directly from the front, the other vehicle will most likely damage your front grille. It may also damage the front end of your vehicle’s body, depending on the exact angle of impact. Most serious collisions will also result in damage to one or both of your headlights.

So, whenever there is serious damage to the front grill, you need to think about the parts that are just behind that grill. This is usually be the radiator and the fan attached to it. They are two parts, but they work together, so one is right behind the other.

Most front-end collisions will cause damage to your vehicle’s radiator, simply because it’s located front-and-center. In some cases, the fan and radiator can even be crushed together so badly that they become one single piece. This isn’t as crazy as it sounds, because radiators are made of relatively soft aluminum, and radiator fans are made of thin steel or plastic.

Windshield And Hood Damage

Of course, the windshield and hood are also likely to be damaged in a front-end collision. A strong impact can easily send parts and debris flying, so windshields are frequent casualties. When you are involved in a front end car accident, car hoods don’t usually escape without damage either.

The Frame Of The Vehicle

Now we’re getting into serious damage territory. When your vehicle has suffered frame damage, it will often be impossible to fully repair the damage. However, if the frame is only slightly bent, it can probably be repaired. A skilled auto body technician can safely bend the offending piece back into shape and reinforce the spot for extra protection. If the frame of the vehicle is actually broken, or if it has been bent more than 45 degrees (that’s a diagonal angle, in case you’re wondering), the vehicle will be considered totaled.

No matter how much you like a particular vehicle, it isn’t worth the risk of driving around with a damaged frame. Such damage can throw your whole alignment out of whack, making it difficult to drive on a straight trajectory. Obviously, that can easily cause an accident. And, if it does cause an accident, your weakened frame will not give you the same protection that you had before. For these reasons, serious frame damage means that the car is done.

Engine And Transmission Damage

This kind of damage is almost as serious as frame damage. However, the difference here is the fact that an engine can be replaced. You can’t really replace a vehicle’s frame because it’s the most basic part of the vehicle. It is generally quite expensive to have your engine replaced, both in terms of parts and labor, but at least you have the option. A transmission (if ruined) is even more expensive to replace, but the vehicle cannot function without one, so there isn’t much choice if you want to save the car.

As we said earlier, there are times when the impact of a front-end collision will crush all the front-and-center parts together. This will include the fan and radiator, and most vehicles have parts in front of the engine such as alternators, starters, fuel pumps, and several belts to make everything run together.

If the impact is severe enough, all these forward parts can be shoved back into the engine itself. Since the engine will most likely be running when that happens, you can just imagine the damage that will occur. Now, understand that the transmission is connected to the engine, and you can figure out the rest.

The good news is that most minor collisions don’t require an engine replacement. Your engine is (usually) located in the front end of a vehicle, but it usually isn’t right in the front, so there are quite a few parts that can absorb the impact before it reaches your engine. It takes a pretty serious impact to permanently ruin your engine and/or transmission.

Conclusion

These are just some of the most common types of damage that you might see after a front-end collision. To find out the full extent of the damage, you will need to have the vehicle assessed by a qualified and certified body shop. But, you might be asking, “Where can I find the best auto body shop near me?” The answer is Elmer’s Auto Body. Whether you need front end collision repair or any other sort of bodywork, we take pride in giving every customer the care they deserve. To find out more, call Elmer’s Auto Body at (856) 218-0202.

What’s The Process After a Car Accident?

What’s The Process After a Car Accident?

Being involved in a car accident is a nightmare for most people. Not only is the situation highly stressful, but you may find yourself soon overwhelmed with all the things you have to do immediately afterwards. If you are involved in a collision, it is important to stay calm. This article will guide you through the crucial actions to take after a car accident so you can navigate the process successfully. Let’s get started.

 

Ensure Safety

The first and foremost priority after a car accident is to ensure the safety of all parties involved. Move your vehicle to a safe location, if possible, away from traffic. If it’s not safe to move the vehicles, turn on your hazard lights and set up flares or warning triangles to alert other drivers. Check yourself and others for injuries and, if necessary, call for medical assistance immediately. Remember, your safety and the safety of others is of utmost importance.

 

Contact Local Authorities

After ensuring safety, it is generally advisable to contact the local authorities, such as the police or highway patrol, to report the accident. They will arrive at the scene, assess the situation, and create an official report. This report is crucial for insurance claims and legal proceedings, providing an objective record of the accident. Cooperate with the authorities, provide them with accurate information, and follow their instructions.

Document Everything

While at the scene of the collision, it is also crucial to gather accurate information and document the accident for insurance purposes. Collect details from all parties involved, including names, contact information, license plate numbers, insurance information, and vehicle descriptions. You want to know the make, model, color and year of each vehicle. Additionally, if there are witnesses, obtain their contact information as well.

 

Use your smartphone or a camera to take photos of the accident scene from various angles, capturing the position of vehicles, road conditions, and any visible damage. Document any visible injuries as well. These records will serve as crucial evidence during the claims process.

 

Notify Your Insurance Company

Promptly contact your insurance company to report the accident. Provide them with accurate and detailed information about the incident, including the date, time, location, and a description of what happened. Be prepared to provide the information of the other parties involved and any witnesses. Follow the instructions given by your insurance company regarding the claims process. Document the date, time, and details of your conversation with the insurance representative for future reference.

 

Overview of the Claims Process

Once you have made your initial call, the claim proceeds as such:

 

  1. Claims Adjuster Assignment: Your insurance company will assign an adjuster once you have reported the incident. This individual is responsible for investigating your accident, assessing the damages, and determining how much will be covered by insurance.
  2. Accident Investigation: The claims adjuster then begins investigating. They may review the official report, pictures, video, and speak with the parties involved.
  3. Damage Assessment: Following the accident investigation, the claims adjuster assesses the damages to your vehicle. This may involve visiting a repair facility or requesting an estimate from a qualified body shop. They will consider the repair costs, the vehicle’s pre-accident value, and any applicable deductibles to determine the amount of compensation for repairs.
  4. Liability Determination: This determination affects the insurance coverage and potential compensation amounts. In some cases, liability may be shared among multiple parties.
  5. Settlement Negotiations and Agreement: Once the claims adjuster has gathered sufficient data, they then enter into negotiations for medical expenses, vehicle repairs, property damage, and more. Usually, there is much back and forth before settlement is achieved. Review the agreement carefully before signing. It is advisable to consult with an attorney, especially in complex cases, to ensure your rights are protected.
  6. Payment and Repairs: With the agreement signed, you may receive payment directly or be sent to a repair facility, depending upon the terms. You can then receive the repairs.
  7. Closing the Claim: Once the repairs are completed and all expenses have been accounted for, the claims process is finalized. The insurance company will close the claim and may request any necessary documentation or invoices to support the expenses incurred.

 

Notify the NJ Division of Motor Vehicles

In the state of New Jersey, it is mandatory to notify the New Jersey Division of Motor Vehicles (NJ DMV) within 10 days of an accident if it resulted in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500. Visit the NJ DMV website or contact their office to understand the specific reporting requirements and submit the necessary documentation. Failure to report the accident within the designated timeframe may result in penalties or consequences.

 

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you were able to walk away from the accident, you should consider seeking medical attention. Whiplash and internal trauma are just a couple of injuries that do not manifest immediately. Consider receiving a medical evaluation as soon as you can. Explain that you were involved in a motor vehicle collision and would like to provide a detailed account of what happened, including any symptoms you may be experiencing.

 

For insurance purposes, it is best if you follow the recommended treatments outlined by the medical professionals tending to you. Be sure to also keep any medical reports and bills that you receive. Depending on the severity of the collision, you may need these documents for court.

 

Get Repairs at an NJ Body Shop

So your claim has begun, you have gotten your payment, and now you are ready to get your vehicle to the best body shop in NJ for repairs. Typically, when going through your insurance company, you will need to bring your vehicle in for an initial assessment of damages. Afterwards, you can seek insurance approval. Choose a repair shop that will work with your insurance company to obtain approval for the repairs, such as Elmer’s Auto Body.

 

The Repair Process After an Accident

Here is an overview of how a body shop handles your vehicle’s repairs post-collision:

 

  1. Disassembly and More Inspection: Once the repair process begins, the damaged areas of your vehicle may need to be disassembled to assess the full extent of the damage. This allows the technicians to identify any underlying issues that may not be immediately visible. They will update the estimate if necessary and communicate any additional repairs required to both you and the insurance company.
  2. Receipt of OEM Parts: Should anything need to be replaced, the auto body shop will order them directly from the manufacturer or authorized supplier. At Elmer’s Auto Body, we ensure that only genuine parts are used.
  3. Structural Repairs: If the accident caused structural damage to your vehicle, specialized equipment and techniques will be used to restore its structural integrity, including realignment or re-straightening of the frame.
  4. Body Repair and Painting: The damaged body panels will be repaired or replaced to restore the exterior appearance of your vehicle. The technicians will use techniques such as dent removal, panel replacement, and body filler application to smooth out imperfections. Afterward, the repaired areas will be prepped, primed, and painted to match the original color of your vehicle.
  5. Mechanical and Electrical Repairs: This may include repairing the engine, suspension, brakes, or addressing any issues with the vehicle’s electrical system.
  6. Reassembly and Quick Checks: Once repairs are complete, the technician will go through quality checks to make sure that the vehicle is functional and meets industry standards.
  7. Retrieval: Once the repairs and detailing are finished, the repair shop will notify you that your vehicle is ready for pickup. Take the time to inspect the repairs and ensure your satisfaction. If any concerns arise, discuss them with the repair shop, and they should address them promptly.

 

How Long Does This Process Take?

Knowing what to do after a car accident is only part of the process. Estimating how long it will take is another factor to keep in mind. Unfortunately, there is no way to approximate the timeframe, as the duration will change depending on your circumstances.

 

Generally, however, reporting the accident and opening a claim only takes a few hours or days after the accident. As soon as that is in, the initial assessment will occur in a few days or up to a week after. Depending on the severity of the damages to your vehicle, the repairs may take several weeks. Additionally, external factors like the workload of the repair shop and the need for specialized services can impact the timeline.

 

Once the repairs are completed, the repair shop will provide an invoice to the insurance company for payment. The payment processing and closing of the claim can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the efficiency of the insurance company’s internal processes.

 

Looking For an NJ Body Shop For Collision Repair?

Knowing what to do after a car accident is crucial for a smooth recovery process. When it comes to collision repairs in New Jersey, Elmer’s Auto Body stands out as the epitome of excellence. With our unwavering commitment to exceptional service, expert craftsmanship, and customer satisfaction, our team has earned the reputation as the best body shop in NJ.

 

Rest assured that by following the right procedures and choosing a trusted establishment like Elmer’s Auto Body, you can navigate the aftermath of a car accident with confidence and have your vehicle restored to its pre-accident condition. Give us a call today to schedule your assessment or repair or fill out the contact form.

How To Get Through The Stress Of An Auto Collision

There are many physical complications that can come from an auto collision, but the stress and emotional trauma can be even more detrimental. Following an accident (you could be the driver, a passenger, or even a bystander who witnessed an accident) you may have signs of PTSD, anxiety, depression, and even nightmares regarding what you’ve experienced. You should always seek professional help if these issues interfere with your life, or get too intense. Turning to a mental health professional can also help reduce even mild stress and anxiety associated with an auto collision, as well as support from friends and family, and practicing good driving behaviors (such as wearing a seatbelt, minimizing distractions, and driving defensively).

There are a few other important steps that may not be as common sense but will help to ease your worries and reduce your stress after an auto collision. Let’s review.

Think About Your Needs

Traumatic events take some time to work through. Therefore, first and foremost, you should always take care of your basic needs. Make sure you are eating well, getting enough sleep, and staying social. Depending on the severity of your accident, you may need to contact professional help. There is no shame in this. If need help finding aid, you can always check out the resources from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) or the National Center for PTSD.

Contact a Lawyer

First, you should contact a lawyer to find out what your legal rights are, and what your options may be going forward. You should also make sure to let your insurance company know the situation, as they may ease your worries and be able to tell you exactly what your financial options may be, if any. Besides these things, staying positive and trying to live life normally after a traumatic auto collision is important to your mental well-being, and having definitive answers about your legal and financial issues will be very important in bringing you closure with your recent event.

Get Your Car Repaired ASAP

Regardless of your legal or financial burdens, your car will probably have to be repaired. Even if there’s no evident damage, there may be issues that are unseen that a professional should evaluate, which will also help your insurance cover you and may bring closure to a large part of your ordeal. At the scene of the accident, you should always be sure to take plenty of photos of the vehicles, as this may help when getting an estimate from auto body shops in South Jersey. Your insurance company will probably have suggestions for an auto body shop for repairs, but you don’t have to use the shop they suggest!

You should always choose the right repair shop for you, which may be your regular shop where you know and trust the employees/owner or a shop that specifically deals with auto collision repair. You should bring your vehicle to the best body shop in NJ, so peace of mind will help you get closure from your experience. You should always be sure to have a certified technician look for hidden damage to your vehicle, and get an estimate for the cost of the repairs (which may help you shop around, your insurance company will also provide you with an estimate that you can compare and contrast).

Ask Plenty of Questions

For the sake of peace of mind, you should be sure to ask how long the repair will take, what type of parts you should purchase (OEM, aftermarket, recycled, etc.), and if the repair shop will provide any kind of warranty on their work. Once you’ve chosen the auto body shop you must see if your insurance company will cover the cost of repairs, and then you can finally have your car fixed (and finally get rid of any physical reminders of your accident lingering in your vehicle).

Head to Your Nearest Collision Repair Center

An auto accident can be extremely stress-inducing and traumatic, and having help will ease the process greatly. In addition to all the help listed above, having your car fixed as professionally and carefully as possible should be one of your least worries. That’s why you should consider Elmer’s Auto Body, the best body shop in NJ to perform your post-auto collision maintenance and give you the peace of mind of knowing that your vehicle will be back in perfect working order. You can schedule a free consultation or book an appointment online, or visit our Medford, Mt Ephraim, or Sewell locations anywhere from 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday.

4 Things to Know About Auto Body Repair for Electric Vehicles

4 Things to Know About Auto Body Repair for Electric Vehicles

Drivers choose electric vehicles for a variety of reasons. They may want to reduce fuel costs or combat climate change. However, owning an electric car also requires a different approach to bodywork than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. Handling a repair is a challenging task for these vehicle owners. Whether you’re a current electric car owner or considering purchasing one, here are four things to know about auto body repair for electric vehicles.

What You Should Know About Electric Vehicle Body Repairs

When you own these vehicles, you should understand that they are not like their gas-powered counterparts. For example, you may need some work completed after an accident to get it back on the road. Taking it to the nearest body shop is not always an option. Consider these points when your vehicle needs to be repaired.

#1 – They Still Need Regular Maintenance

While electric cars have fewer moving parts than traditional vehicles, they still require regular maintenance to function correctly. For example, you must regularly rotate the tires to ensure they have even wear. Along with that, the brakes should be checked to make sure they are functioning properly.

With an electric vehicle, the battery also needs to be inspected. If any of the components or housing become damaged, they can turn into safety hazards. Additionally, some parts of the vehicle are prone to fail if you do not keep up with their maintenance. In turn, that can lead to complications when it comes time to repair the car after an accident.

#2 – They Use Unique Parts

Electric cars have different parts and components than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. Instead of an engine, they have a battery that powers an electric motor. Plus, these cars use specialized systems that allow them to recharge their batteries. These electrical systems required trained personnel to complete any repairs on them. Not all shops know how to work on these vehicles. With that in mind, make sure to find trained auto body shops in South Jersey that can handle these repairs.

#3 – They Require Expensive Repairs

If you own an electric car, you already know the vehicle is expensive. However, those costs can extend to bodywork. If the panels are damaged, it is not an easy fix like a conventional car. Many times, it could be costly to repair them. If the accident damages the battery, it may need to be replaced, which could cost thousands of dollars. Unlike gas-powered vehicles, these cars must use parts directly from the manufacturer.

#4 – Repairs Need Specialized Equipment

Some electric vehicle repairs require specialized tools and skilled mechanics to fix a problem. Unfortunately, not all auto body businesses are knowledgeable about repairing these cars. You should bring your electric vehicle to a maintenance facility specializing in this type of work. With that, you can ensure the mechanic has access to the equipment needed to perform the necessary repairs.

Damage to the paint is another problem. If your vehicle needs to be repainted, it might require more time in the shop. With conventional cars, the repairing process is relatively quick. However, that is not the case with electric vehicles. Since these cars have a battery, the mechanics have to be mindful of the temperature during the curing process. Heat could damage the charging or power components when the vehicle becomes too hot.

How to Find the Best Body Shop in NJ for Your Electric Vehicle Repair

Now that you know about the four factors of an electric vehicle auto body repair, here are a few tips to choose the right shop for your car.

  • Check the Manufacturer’s Website

Take a look at the manufacturer’s website for authorized repair shops. Many electric vehicle manufacturers have a network of authorized dealerships and repair shops specializing in electric vehicle auto bodywork.

  • Ask Other Electric Vehicle Owners

If you know other owners of these vehicles, ask where they take their cars for repairs. They can recommend a good repair shop in your area.

  • Search Online

You can also search online for New Jersey repair shops specializing in auto bodywork for electric cars. When it comes time to find a shop, check its reviews and ratings to make sure they have an excellent reputation.

  • Speak With Local Mechanics

While not all mechanics have the specialized training and equipment to work on these vehicles, some will have the necessary expertise to restore the appearance of your electric car.

When you find a potential repair shop, you always want to ask about their certifications and training. The mechanic should be certified and have specialized training to handle any auto bodywork for your car.

By following these tips, you can find a qualified repair shop to fix your electric vehicle after an accident. Keep in mind that not every shop can take care of these repairs for you. Before you drive your car to the local mechanic, make sure they understand how to fix these vehicles properly.

Need an Auto Body Shop Near Me?

At Elmer’s Auto Body, we have the experience you need to safely and effectively repair your electric vehicle. Our shop has been serving the South Jersey community for over 70 years. We make the repair process as fast, easy, and convenient as possible. Along with that, our team focuses on providing exceptional customer service to all vehicle owners. You can schedule a consultation by calling (856) 218-0202.

The Ultimate “What to Do After a Car Accident” Checklist

The Ultimate “What to Do After a Car Accident” Checklist

Car accidents can leave you distraught and wondering how to respond. Especially when the emotions run high, you may forget what actions to take to put yourself in a good position. Along with worrying about the injuries, you need to cover yourself for insurance and potential legal issues. This is why you may want to know a checklist of how to respond after a car accident.

#1: Check for Injuries

After a car accident, you need to check to see that no one suffered injuries. Never panic and drive off right away because it falls into the category of a hit and run, which can land you in serious legal trouble. You need to check to see that everyone in your car was uninjured, and you need to check to see that everyone from the other car was uninjured.

Keep a calm and clear-headed demeanor because you need to think clearly after the accident. Accidents can stress you out, but one of the best things that you can do is to stay calm.

#2: Get the Vehicles Involved out of Traffic

Staying on the road poses a threat to other vehicles that may come upon the accident, so you want to clear the road. Move as far away from traffic as possible, but stay on the scene. Warn oncoming traffic with hazard lights or with road flares.

#3: Call the Police

In cases where a death or injury happened, you need to call the police according to New Jersey law. The other time where you would need to call them is when one of the vehicles suffered damage of over $500. You do this for two reasons: First, you should always seek medical attention after an accident even if you feel fine. Some injuries won’t manifest themselves until a couple of weeks later. Second, the police will file a report that you can use for documentation of your claim.

The officer usually gives their opinion on whether someone violated a traffic law and caused an accident, which is valuable to your case.

Some of the steps after the police arrive include:

  • Answering questions to help the officer file a report
  • Providing driver’s license and insurance information
  • Tell the officer what happened, but keep to the facts
  • Request a copy of the police report for your insurance claim

#4: Exchange Information and Snap Photos

You will want to exchange information with the other driver like the name, address, phone number and insurance information. After you do that, you will want to snap some photos of your own from the accident. While the police officer will take photos, you always take photos of your own as additional evidence.

#5: Get a Medical Examination

After an accident, you should get a medical examination done as soon as possible to document the specifics of your case. In cases where you file an insurance claim, they will want evidence of your injuries and getting one later can hurt your compensation. They may, for example, try to blame your injuries on something else.

#6: Begin the Claims Process

Once you finish with this, you will need to inform your insurance company that you had an accident. This begins the claims process. You can file the claim either with your insurance company or the other driver’s insurance company. Usually, they will just request basic information and photos from the scene of the accident.

After that, you would take the car to one of the auto body shops in South Jersey. You could Google, “Auto body shop near me,” to look at the ones available. In some cases, an insurance company will recommend that you use one of theirs. You have no legal obligation to use the ones that they recommend. In fact, it’s one of your protections as a consumer to use whatever auto body shop you would like. Many times, insurance companies recommend one because it keeps their own costs low, but it doesn’t go in your best interests.

Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you. Also, sometimes the other party’s insurance may call you and request a statement. Never give a statement to the other party’s insurance without your lawyer present to ensure that they don’t take something you said out of context. This can hurt your settlement.

Possible Action Required: File a Report with the MVC

Along with the other things, you will need to file a report with the MVC in New Jersey if you had an accident of over $500. You do this if you had damage of over $500, and you didn’t report it to the police. You must send the MVC a letter within 10 days of the accident. The letter must tell about the circumstances of the accident and give as much information as possible. This is a fill-in for if you didn’t call the police to the scene of the accident, but it provides you with official documentation if you need to use it.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for the best body shop in NJ, call Elmer’s Auto Body in South Jersey. For over 70 years, we have served the local community with some of the best auto body services, and we’re a family-owned and operated business. We seek to make services easy, convenient and fast. If you were in an accident recently and require auto body repairs, you can speak with us at (856) 218-0202.