What to Do if You are Involved in an Accident

When accidents happen, it's a good idea to have a plan of action in place. At the best Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep Ram Dealership in the Jefferson City area, we understand that accidents are....well, accidents! They can happen at any time. Your most trusted car and truck dealership in Mid-Missouri has put together a step by step guide on what to do if you are involved in an accident.

Step 1. Check to Make Sure Everyone is Okay.

Accidents can vary wildly from one to another. Assess the people in the vehicle with you and make sure that no one is injured. Be especially careful with children - they may not be able to adequately describe what they are feeling. If there are any doubts or concerns of an injury, call an ambulance. Once you have checked on everyone, exit the vehicle and call the local authorities. The police will dispatch someone to come and help everyone involved.

Step 2. Assess the Damage to Your Vehicle

If your vehicle is capable of moving, you may want to move it off to one side of the road while you wait for a tow truck. (Make sure your vehicle is not leaking fluids when you attempt to move it!) Once you have the vehicle to a location where you can move around it safely, observe for noticeable damage. This is the perfect time to bring out your smartphone camera or the disposable camera in your emergency kit. Take pictures of all the damaged sustained. This allows you to have an accurate history of the damage caused at the point of impact, along with giving you more information that you can pass to your insurance agent about the accident.

Step 3. Exchange Insurance Information with the Other Driver (If Applicable)

Being in a multi-car accident means you need to make sure that you have the information of everyone involved. Usually, a traffic control officer (police) can assist you with this exchange. Often times people involved in an accident are encouraged to wait for the police, as emotions tend to range wildly in the aftermath of a traumatic experience.

Step 4. Call Your Insurance Provider

It may seem counter-productive to call your insurance company before you know all the details, but giving your agent a head start on paperwork can save them and you precious time. If you need a rental vehicle or a claim against your vehicle for repair, calling your agent ahead of time can accelerate this process. You should mention that you have pictures of the accident. This can help them determine the total cost of possibly repairing or totaling your vehicle.

Step 5. Drive or Tow Your Vehicle Away

If the accident was minor, and you can safely drive your vehicle away, you will likely be able to leave after the officer on scene has finished getting a report of everything that happened. If you are unable you drive away, the officer can assist you in finding a towing company to remove your vehicle from the scene. Remember not to leave until after the officer has finished all the necessary paperwork.

Spieler's Inc. Wants to Make Sure You are Safe in the Event of an Accident.

Stress can be at an all time high in the event of a motor vehicle accident. Spieler's Inc. understands that sometimes there's nothing you can do to prevent an accident from occurring. However, there are steps you can take to mitigate the struggle of recovering from an accident. Remain vigilant on the road, and should you become involved in an accident, you can remember the steps given to you by you most trusted car dealership in Mid-Missouri.

Proudly Serving the Columbia,

Jefferson City, and California, MO Areas

1109 W. Buchanan St.
California, MO 65018

(888) 455-2107

Visit our website:

www.spielersinc.com

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

Follow us on LinkedIn