30 Jan Managing the Stress of Being in an Accident for the First Time
Being in a vehicle collision is always a stressful experience, but if it’s the first time you’ve ever dealt with an accident, you may be particularly overwhelmed and unsure what to do next. If you are in an accident, you can always count on National Auto Collision Centers in Tucson for collision repair services. For tips on what to do at the scene and in the immediate fallout of the collision, continue reading.
Keep Calm and Don’t Admit Fault
It’s easy to get worked up after an accident, but the best thing you can do is keep calm. Take a few deep breaths to gather your thoughts before exiting your vehicle. When speaking with other drivers, witnesses, or police, do not ever accept fault for the accident, even if you believe you caused the accident. A panicked statement made to police or other drivers at the scene could prevent you from being fully covered by your insurance and may be used against you if the other driver files a lawsuit.
Follow an Accident Checklist
Even with a minor collision, the scene of the accident may be chaotic, so it’s not uncommon to skip critical steps in assessing the scene and gathering information. National Auto Collision Centers offers a helpful accident checklist on our website, which we recommend bookmarking on your phone. Some key steps to follow include:
- Ask if anyone was injured in your own vehicle or the other vehicles involved. If anyone is seriously hurt, call 911.
- Call the police to report the accident.
- Take photos of all vehicles and property involved, as well as the surrounding areas. If you have a dashcam, let the authorities know when they arrive on the scene.
- Move the vehicles out of the road if possible, and use traffic cones, hazard lights, or warning triangles to alert other drivers.
- Ask any nearby homes or businesses if they have security camera footage of the accident.
- Get contact information for all other involved drivers and any witnesses nearby.
- Notify your insurance company as soon as possible.
Don’t Get Pressured by Your Insurance Company
Insurance companies may want you to visit their claims center or a preferred auto body repair shop to inspect the damage to your vehicle. However, you have the right to choose where your vehicle is repaired, and you can request that it is inspected at the collision repair shop of your choice. You are not required to obtain more than one estimate for repairs or visit a specific shop recommended by your insurance company. Have your vehicle towed to National Auto Collision Centers after the accident, and we will negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf and help you make all necessary arrangements at our shop.
Being in an accident is stressful, but getting your vehicle repaired doesn’t have to be. National Auto Collision Centers has three convenient Tucson locations with unibody repair equipment and certified repair technicians, and our Valenica location even has Enterprise car rental onsite. Contact us if you have been in an accident to get your vehicle back on the road quickly.