What to Do After a Car Accident
Few events are as extremely jarring and traumatic for everyone involved as car accidents, no matter how small they might be. Knowing what to do after a car crash can help you make the event slightly less upsetting because it takes the unknown factor out of the financial aspect so you can focus on what’s truly important. Even with Mercedes-Benz PRESAFE®, you’ll need to follow these instructions after an accident. The expert team at Mercedes-Benz of Bloomfield Hills will go over what to do after a car accident.
How to Handle a Minor or Major Accident
Minor Accidents
These accidents include a fender-bender at an intersection or someone backing into your car in a parking lot. If the damage to the vehicles is minimal, here’s what you should do:
- First and foremost, check to see if you or your passengers need medical attention. If so, dial 911 immediately.
- If possible, pull your vehicle out of traffic. The right shoulder of the road is a good option.
- Call the police. Even if the other driver suggests that you don’t need the police for a minor accident, you should still call to have an official report documented. Your insurance company may require it.
- Exchange contact information. Exchange phone numbers and email addresses with the other driver(s) involved and anyone who witnessed the accident. Exchange auto insurance policy information with the other drivers. It helps to get a photo of everyone’s driver’s licenses, license plate numbers, and insurance cards.
- Document your vehicle’s damage. As soon as possible, take detailed photos of the damage to your vehicle, the other vehicle or vehicles involved, and the accident scene.
- Call your insurance provider. The sooner you tell them the details of the accident, the sooner you can begin the process of filing a car accident insurance claim.
Major Accidents
Major accidents differ from minor accidents in that they result in extensive damage to the vehicles, serious injuries, or even fatalities. What to do after a car accident this major is a bit different:
- Call 911 right away or alert emergency personnel via mbrace.
- If you need immediate medical attention and cannot document important information on your own, follow up with the police and make sure they have photo documentation.
- If you’re not seriously injured, document the scene as you would in a minor accident.
- Contact your insurance provider. Even if someone already filed a car accident insurance claim on your behalf while you were receiving medical attention, follow up with your insurance provider.
- Follow up with your physician. If you’re still feeling any pain after the accident and after being treated by emergency personnel, you should visit your regular physician for additional help.
How to File a Car Insurance Claim
The process may differ slightly depending on your provider and coverage, but learning how to file a car insurance claim is mostly universal. Here’s what most insurance providers will need from you:
- Your insurance policy number
- Date, time, and location of the accident
- A detailed description of the accident
- All the collected contact and insurance information from other involved parties and witnesses
- Name of the police department involved, as well as the police report number
Your vehicle will be evaluated by an insurance adjuster who will estimate the cost of your repairs, coverage, and more. If the photos and police reports are not sufficient, you may have to plan a meeting to have your vehicle inspected in person.
Let Mercedes-Benz of Bloomfield Hills Help You Get Back on the Road
When you’ve had time to recover and you’re ready to return to the streets of Birmingham and West Bloomfield, Mercedes-Benz of Bloomfield Hills can help. Our parts department is your source for genuine Mercedes-Benz parts and accessories. Trust our service center to repair any mechanical issues. We’re a factory-certified auto repair shop and can work with most insurance companies. Contact us with any questions you may have like how to clean car floor mats.
