When driving in Jacksonville, FL, or elsewhere, it is important to know what to do after a car accident. Even the best and most conscientious drivers are at risk of experiencing a fender bender every now and again, and it helps to be prepared.
SCHEDULE COLLISION SERVICESteps to Take After a Car Accident
A car accident can be a stressful experience. It helps to familiarize yourself with the following steps ahead of time so you can avoid common mistakes people make:
1. Safety First
In the first moments after a car accident, check to ensure both you and your passengers are safe from harm. Your first priority is safety. Even if you've confirmed that everyone is OK, we strongly suggest getting a medical examination following an incident. Injuries like whiplash may not be apparent right away.
2. Exchange Information
After contacting the police, politely greet the other driver involved in the collision and exchange information with them, including your name, contact info, auto insurance details, and vehicle registration. Avoid admitting fault during this exchange. This might also be a good time to speak to witnesses and take down their contact information.
3. Notify Your Auto Insurance Company
Document the scene with pictures and then reach out to your insurance company to report the incident. Your assigned agent will walk you through the steps for filing an insurance claim. You may also file a police report once law enforcement officers arrive at the scene. Having the incident on record will help expedite the insurance process.
4. Handle Transportation
If you have a Volvo vehicle, like a Volvo XC60, we strongly recommend having your car towed to a certified Volvo Collision Center in Jacksonville, FL, where Volvo experts will have access to genuine replacement parts and can perform repairs in line with your vehicle's warranty requirements. Please feel free to call us at O'Steen Volvo Cars of Jacksonville for a referral to our trusted partners.
Of course, the surest way to deal with a car accident is to prevent it from happening at all. We suggest developing the habit of bringing your automobile in for regular maintenance to ensure it's running as safely as possible. For professional Volvo maintenance, you can count on our service department.
Lean on Your Auto Team at O'Steen Volvo Cars of Jacksonville
Whether you're behind the wheel of a stylish Volvo S60 or the three-row Volvo XC90, one of the most important things to remember in the event of a collision is that you have a built-in automotive support system. Our Volvo experts at O'Steen Volvo Cars of Jacksonville are here to walk you through what to do after a car accident. We can guide you toward a Volvo Certified Collision Center so you can ensure your vehicle is restored to its fullest potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to do after a minor car accident?
In the moments after a minor collision, after checking yourself for injuries and calling the police, the next step is to exchange information with the driver of the other vehicle involved. Keep your cool, and be sure to avoid implying fault on the spot. You can then arrange for vehicle towing to a certified collision center. Taking pictures and collecting witness information can be helpful for your insurance claim.
Do you need a police report to file an insurance claim?
You do not necessarily need an official police report in order to file an insurance claim. However, it is recommended that you call the police to the scene of even minor road incidents because a report helps expedite the insurance process and strengthens your case. After ensuring you are safe post-accident, the next step is to notify the police.
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