The holiday season is a time for joy, family gatherings, and travel, but it’s also a time when roads are slick, congested, and challenging. With more people traveling, often under winter conditions, the chances of a car accident can increase. Some collisions are unavoidable, particularly when the road conditions aren’t fair. If you’re in an accident, here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your safety, handle the situation calmly, and manage the necessary procedures to get back on the road as smoothly as possible.
1. Ensure Safety First
Your main priority after an accident is the safety of everyone involved, including passengers and others on the road. Assess for injuries. If anyone is injured within your vehicle, don’t wait to call 911. If the accident is minor, and it’s safe to do so, move vehicles out of traffic. Turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers. Avoid standing near traffic and stay in your car until it’s safe to exit.
2. Call the Police
In New Jersey, you have to call the police to the scene if anyone has been injured or if the damage looks greater than $500. If you have a minor fender bender, there is no need to call unless you feel it is necessary. Furthermore, a police report can be valuable when filing an insurance claim. Wait for the officers to arrive, and cooperate with them to create an accurate report.
After notifying the police, exchange contact, license, and insurance details with the other driver(s) involved. Record each vehicle’s make, model, and license plate number.
3. Gather Essential Information and Evidence
Again, you want a police report if the damages are extensive, as well as the contact information of those involved. It also helps to take photos. Capture the accident scene from multiple angles, showing vehicle positions, damage, and any visible injuries. These photos will serve as vital evidence. If there are any witnesses, ask for their contact information and a brief account of what they saw. Witness statements can be very helpful if there’s a dispute over who was at fault.
4. Notify Your Insurance Company
After you get home from the accident, promptly notify your insurance provider. You will be asked to provide information about the accident. Give a clear, factual account of the accident without assigning blame. Include details such as the time, location, weather conditions, and the police report number, if available.
Your insurance representative can explain what your policy covers and help you start a claim. They’ll likely ask for a description of the damages, as well as any photos or evidence you’ve gathered.
5. Schedule a Vehicle Inspection
You will need to get an inspection to determine whether your vehicle can be repaired and how much the insurance provider will give you. Keep in mind that, even if the damage looks minor, internal issues can pose safety risks. A body shop like Elmer’s Auto Body can perform a full inspection to identify all areas in need of repair. If the car is undrivable, have it towed to a trusted collision repair center to prevent further damage.
6. Choose a Reputable South Jersey Collision Repair Center
Keep in mind that you don’t have to use the collision repair center recommended by your insurance company. Shop around and choose one that is known for quality work, such as Elmer’s Auto Body in South Jersey. With experienced technicians and state-of-the-art equipment, Elmer’s Auto Body can restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition. We work directly with insurance companies, ensuring a smooth repair process from start to finish. Choosing a repair shop like Elmer’s ensures that your repairs meet both manufacturer and insurance standards, which is essential for long-term safety and resale value.
7. Plan for Transportation During Repairs
Depending on the extent of the damage, repairs can take days or weeks. Arranging for alternative transportation can ease the inconvenience of being without a car. Check if your insurance includes rental car coverage, which can help with the cost of a rental while your vehicle is in the shop.
8. Keep Track of the Repair Process
Staying in touch with the repair center ensures you’re informed about the progress and can plan accordingly for when your car is ready. Ask for regular updates on the repair status so you’re aware of any potential delays. Before accepting your car, inspect the repairs to make sure everything is as expected. A reputable shop will address any concerns before you leave.
Looking for a Collision Repair Center in South Jersey?
The holiday season can be stressful enough without the added frustration of a car accident. If you find yourself in a collision this holiday season, follow these steps to ensure everyone’s safety, manage the incident effectively, and arrange for quality repairs.
At Elmer’s Auto Body, we’re here to help you get back on the road quickly and safely. Our experienced team in South Jersey is dedicated to delivering top-quality repairs and excellent customer service. Contact us today at one of our three South Jersey locations to learn more about our collision repair services or to schedule an appointment.