Even if no one is hurt, car accidents are unnerving. The moments following the accident are emotional. People don’t always think clearly. Sometimes they can’t even remember what actually happened. Unfortunately, the moments following a car accident is when it is necessary to make decisions – especially if the accident caused damage to your vehicle.
Here are a few tips to remember if you are ever in a car accident:
- Safety first – make sure that everyone in your vehicle is safe. Don’t unbuckle seat belts or get out of your vehicle unless absolutely necessary. Dial 911 and wait for help to arrive.
- Locate your documents – take out your license and registration so that it is handy when police arrive. If you don’t think your car can be driven, use the time to call a friend or family member to give you a ride home after your vehicle is towed.
- Instruct your tow truck driver – your tow truck driver must bring your car to the collision shop of your choice so be prepared to tell him or her where you want to go. That is the law. All collision shops are different. Not all collision shops offer written warranties. Don’t fall victim to pushy tow truck drivers who may have under the table arrangements with certain collision shops. Stand firm and have your driver take your car where you want it to be fixed.
- Talk to collision shop first – Discuss your vehicle damage with the collision shop before you discuss it with your insurance company so you have a thorough understanding of what needs to be fixed. Too often people make the mistake of seeking guidance from the insurance company before they have the vehicle damage assessed by the expert who will be fixing it. Even though you pay the insurance company, they still try to take short cuts when it comes to fixing your vehicle because they need to protect their bottom line. Having your vehicle expertly assessed before the insurance adjuster looks it over is the best way to know that the repair job will be done right with little or no out of pocket cost to you.
If you have been in an accident and your vehicle was repaired by one of the insurance companies’ collision shops, call us today at 718 948-8585 to schedule a post repair inspection. We will look the job over and make any repairs the other collision shops missed at no cost to you.