Did you know that there are an average of over 200 car accidents every day in Minnesota? No matter how safely you drive, odds are high that you’ll get into a crash at some point in your life, whether because of your own mistake, another driver’s mistake or poor road conditions.
The severity of crashes ranges greatly and is dependent on a huge number of factors but, afterwards, drivers always have the same question: “What do I do?”
Getting into even a minor car accident in Minnesota may cause you to panic. You need to rein yourself in, because there are several things you need to do as soon as an accident happens, and in the days that follow. For your convenience, here is a post car accident checklist that you should follow in the event of a crash.
Step-by-Step Post Car Accident Checklist
1. Get Off the Road – Depending on the severity of the crash, your vehicle may be stalled or be knocked off the road. However, if your car is still driveable, you need to quickly get it to the side of the road, whether that’s in a roadside ditch or a parking lot, to prevent further accidents from occurring. Then, turn off your engine.
2. Check for Injuries – Even a minor fender bender can result in injuries for the occupants of your car. If you’ve collided with another car, the people within may be injured as well. Once you’ve gotten your vehicle out of traffic, check to make sure that neither you nor anyone else in your car has been badly hurt.
3. Call 911 – This step is dependent on the severity of the crash. If you get into a minor fender bender where no one is injured, it’s unnecessary. But if someone was injured in the accident or if a vehicle was left disabled on the road, you need to call 911 immediately and explain the situation. This will allow ambulances to arrive in time to prevent more severe injuries and possibly even save lives. If you’ve wrecked in the middle of the road in Minnesota, the police can direct traffic while your car is cleared.
4. Exchange Info – If you’ve crashed your car into a building or tree, perhaps as the result of icy road conditions, this is a step you can skip. However, if you’ve struck another vehicle, you’re going to need to speak with the driver of that vehicle. Don’t admit fault for the accident, since this can get you into trouble when you try to make an insurance claim. Just calmly assess the damage and take pictures of both your car and the other driver’s. Then, exchange the following information with the other driver:
- Name and phone number
- Insurance company and policy number
- License plate number
- Driver’s license number
5. Make a Claim – The majority of auto insurance companies in Minnesota require you to make a claim quickly in the aftermath of an accident. Inform your insurance company of the accident and provide any requested information so that they can investigate the accident to determine your liability and the coverage they are obligated to provide. Hopefully, your insurance company will cover the cost of any required repairs.
6. Get Your Car Fixed – Some drivers make the mistake of assuming they only need to repair their car if an accident left it severely, visibly damaged. In reality, even a fairly minor accident can cause internal damage to your automobile that might result in serious issues in the near future. In the days following a car accident, you should bring your vehicle into a reliable auto repair shop in Minnesota to have it inspected for damage and repaired.
The Best Auto Repair in MN
After a car accident occurs, a crew of experienced auto mechanics can determine what damage has been caused and repair it before bigger problems arise. Get in contact with Arvu Auto today for the most reliable vehicle repair services in the West Minneapolis metro!
