Sherman Oaks drivers are no strangers to heavy traffic. In fact, a jaw-dropping 800,000 cars pass through Sherman Oaks each day! From dodging traffic on the 405 to sitting in gridlocks on Ventura Blvd., there are plenty of opportunities for you to find yourself involved in a car accident.
Knowing how to handle yourself when an accident occurs can help you keep a cool head and ensure you’re able to quickly get your car back to its pre-accident condition. Before you grab your keys and head out the door, take a look at these quick tips.
6 Steps to Take Immediately After a Car Accident
No matter how large or small your collision may be, it’s important to stop the vehicle and pull over into a safe place if you’re able to do so. Once you’ve secured your vehicle, follow these steps.
1. Check for Injuries
First, check to see if anyone is injured and call 911 if necessary.
2. Notify the Police
While only some types of accidents legally require you to call the police, it’s almost always a good idea to attempt to notify them. If the accident has not created an emergency, you can reach the police by calling 1-877-ASK-LAPD (1-877-275-5273).
3. Exchange Information
Be sure to get the name, address, phone number, and driver’s license number of each driver and passenger. Also, ask for a copy of each driver’s insurance information and write down the vehicle’s license plate number. If there were any witnesses, write down their names and contact information as well.
4. Document the Scene
If you have a cell phone or camera, take photos of all the vehicles involved from multiple angles. Also take photos of any property damage and anything else that may be relevant, such as traffic signs or something that was obscuring your view.
5. Notify Your Insurance Company
Be sure to notify your insurance company of the accident and provide the contact information of the other parties involved, if requested.
6. File a Report with the DMV
In California, if someone is injured in an accident or there is more than $750 in vehicle damage, you must notify the Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days. Failing to do so can result in a driver’s license suspension.
How to Handle Post-Accident Vehicle Damage
Once you leave the scene of the accident, you’ll still need to deal with your damaged vehicle. California is a fault state for collisions, meaning that the insurance company of the driver who was at fault for the accident is responsible for covering the cost of the collision damage.
If the other party was at fault, you can file a claim against their insurance company. If you have collision coverage and you don’t want to deal with the other party’s insurance, you may be able to file a claim with your own insurance company instead. If you were at fault for the accident, your claim would go through your insurance company.
When filing a claim through your own insurance policy, you’ll likely need to pay a deductible, which could range from $250 to $1,000. If the other party was at fault, your insurance company may file a claim against the other party’s insurance. In this case, they may reimburse you for your deductible if they recover money from the insurer.
Also, keep in mind that under California law, you have the right to bring your vehicle to any collision repair shop you choose. While the insurance company may suggest one or more repair shops, you are under no obligation to accept their recommendations. It’s often in your best interest to do your own research and choose a shop that you believe will put your best interests first.
Do You Really Need a Collision Repair Specialist?
If your vehicle appears to have minimal damage, you may consider skipping the repairs altogether. However, this is a mistake. Often, collisions can cause structural damage that may not be visible to the untrained eye. For example, you may need a new bumper, have frame damage, trunk damage, alignment issues, or damage to your electrical system.
It’s a good idea to take your vehicle to a collision repair shop after an accident, even if it looks fine. An experienced collision repair technician can provide a complete inspection, so you can feel confident that your vehicle is operating safely.
Trust The Haus to Get You Back on the Road
No matter how careful you are, there’s a good chance that at some point, you’ll end up needing the help of an excellent local collision repair center. When the time comes, look no further than the experts at The Haus.
Our dealership-trained certified technicians can quickly diagnose and repair your BMW or Mini Cooper, so you can get back on the road right away without breaking the bank. If you’re in need of collision repair, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule your VIP appointment.