The aftermath of an accident, even if not severe, can be an uncomfortable and especially stressful ordeal. If you are in a fender bender or minor accident, there are a few things to do to help reduce some of the stress of the situation.
Check Yourself and Call the Authorities
First, check for injury. Call emergency services even for seemingly minor injuries. It is always better to be safe than sorry. Extreme stress or shock can prevent a person from being able to determine the severity of his or her injuries. Contact the authorities to report the accident. An officer may come to the scene of the accident, or you may get directed somewhere to file a report.
Exchange Information and Document the Scene
If there are multiple parties involved in the incident, exchange insurance information. Chat with the other affected persons, but do not go into detail about what occurred or accept fault. Take photos to document the accident. Write down the names of each individual involved, and a description of what occurred.
Start a Claim and Repairs
Now it is time to take care of the damage. Contact your insurance company to begin a claim. They will provide you with direction for what they want you to do next. They may send you to a specific location or repair facility for the estimate and repairs. If you have your own favorite licensed auto body shop Denver CO, you will have the option to use that facility for the repairs.
Staying calm and knowing the best things to do following an accident is the key to keeping a hard situation manageable. Do what you can to cover all your bases. Even if you feel you may be at fault, it is better to handle this situation being as honest and thorough with your documentation as possible.