What to Do After a Car Accident

Regardless of whether it is a major accident or a slight tap from the car behind you, car accidents can be difficult and stressful for everyone. This is especially true when it comes to dealing with insurance. Therefore, it’s important to know what to do after a car accident to make the entire situation easier. Let’s take a closer look at how to file a car accident insurance claim with South Dade Kia of Miami below. For more information, feel free to contact us anytime!

What to Do After a Car Accident Checklist

Minor Accidents

Small accidents could include a minor fender-bender or another driver hitting your vehicle in the parking lot. Let’s take a look at what to do after a minor car accident below:

1. Make sure no one in the vehicle is injured, and if they are, you need to call help right away. It’s important that the paramedics get there as soon as possible.
2. If you’re able, move your vehicle to the shoulder or another safe spot. Try not to stray too far from the accident site. You don’t want to block any traffic or cause more issues on the road.
3. Call the police. It’s important to call the police so you have an official report of what occurred. You should always call the police, even if the other driver suggests not to.
4. Exchange contact information. Always exchange contact information such as phone numbers, email addresses, and the information of their insurance policy. Furthermore, it’s important to take photos of everyone’s driver’s licenses, license plates, and insurance cards.If anyone witnessed the accident, be sure to ask for their information as well.
5. Document your vehicle’s damage. Be sure to take detailed photos of the damage on both vehicles, and also a photo of the accident scene if possible.
6. Call your insurance provider. You should get in touch with insurance as soon as possible so you can start the claims process.

Major Accidents

Major accidents differ from minor accidents in that they result in serious injuries or even possibly fatalities. The steps to take following a major accident are a bit different:

1. Call 911 right away. You should call emergency personnel right away if you get injured or have someone else call if you are unable. First responders such as the police and ambulance should be on the scene in a matter of minutes. If you need medical attention and are unable to take note of important information, the police will likely take a report of the incident. To make sure that a report was compiled, we recommend quickly following up with the police.
2. Contact your insurance provider. You should always get in touch with your insurance provider regardless of whether a claim has already been filed. You’ll likely have to give them some additional information to make sure you are compensated accordingly.
3. Follow up with your physician. If you are still hurt after the accident, it’s important to follow up with your physician.

How to File a Car Accident Insurance Claim

One of the most important things is knowing how to file a car insurance claim. The overall process will likely differ depending on the company and coverage, however, filing a car accident insurance claim is likely similar for all providers. When filing a car accident insurance claim, you should provide them with:

• 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)

Now that you’ve filed a car accident insurance claim, the photos of the vehicle will be examined by an adjuster to assess the damage. The vehicle might have to be looked at in-person if the police report and photos are not enough. 

Get Back on the Road with South Dade Kia of Miami Today!

Now that you know more about what to do after a car accident, come visit the South Dade Kia of Miami service center to help get you back on road! Our repair center can fix nearly any type of vehicle damage using only the best quality parts. For more information about parts for your vehicle, check out our website or visit us near Pinecrest!