What to Do After a Car Accident

Whether dealing with a minor fender bender or a more serious collision, knowing what to do after a car accident can save you a lot of stress on the North Canton roads. The team at BMW of North Canton is here to explain who to call, what to do, and how to file a car insurance claim so you can move forward with peace of mind. Take a look at our guide below, and be sure to contact us for more service tips along the way! 

What to Do After Minor Accidents

Minor car accidents involve mild to moderate damage. This category could include small fender benders on the Massillon roads or low-speed collisions in a parking lot. Even if the damage is minor, it’s a good idea to cover your bases with the following checklist:

1. Check to see if anyone needs medical attention. If so, call an ambulance immediately.
• If everyone is fine, pull your vehicle over to a safe spot. Don’t drive too far from the scene of the accident, but make sure your vehicle is out of the way of traffic.
• Call the police. This might feel unnecessary in the case of a minor incident, but you often need police documentation for your car accident insurance claim.
• Exchange contact information. You’ll want phone numbers, email addresses, and the insurance policy information of the other driver(s) involved. Snap a picture of everyone’s driver’s license, license plate numbers, and insurance cards. Ask for contact information from any witnesses on the scene.
• Document your vehicle’s damage. Take pictures of the accident scene, as well as detailed pictures of any vehicle damage.
• Call your insurance provider. It’s best to get the car accident insurance claim started when everything is fresh in your memory.

What to Do After Major Accidents

Major car accidents in Green involve more severe damage to the driver, passengers, or vehicles. Because they are serious, you’ll need to take a few extra steps when dealing with the immediate aftermath, including: 

1. Call 911 right away. The police will arrive with an ambulance to assess the situation. If you are seriously injured and cannot answer questions, the police will take this into account. Be sure to follow up when possible to make sure all the information needed has been received.
2. Contact your insurance provider. Call your insurance company to begin the car accident insurance claim process. If you have sustained injuries, someone may have filed the claim on your behalf. Again, be sure to follow up when possible.
3. Follow up with your physician. After a major accident, you might experience ongoing pains or injuries that emerge after the adrenaline clears. Visit your regular physician to create a treatment plan.

How to File a Car Insurance Claim

We’ve mentioned that it’s crucial to file your car accident insurance claim promptly, but what does that mean? The process of learning how to file a car insurance claim will depend heavily on your insurer, but it’s not difficult. Have the following information ready when you call your insurance company:

• Your insurance policy number
• Detailed description of how the accident occurred
• Date, time, and location of the accident
• All the collected contact and insurance information from other involved parties
• Name of the police department involved, as well as the police report number (if applicable)

After you’ve started the car accident insurance claim, you’ll be visited by an insurance adjuster. They will estimate the cost of your repairs, coverage, and more.

Get Back on the Road with BMW of North Canton

Now you know what to do after a car accident and how to take care of your insurance claims, but what if you still have questions? Contact us at BMW of North Canton to learn more. Our team in North Canton can help you schedule any repairs or even choose a brand-new vehicle, so don’t hesitate to reach out.