Steps to Take After a Car Wreck

Car accidents are traumatic, stressful, and complicated. They're an unfortunate reality for drivers all over Oklahoma but happen infrequently enough that we don't always know how to proceed. We'll provide you with steps to take if you've been in an accident, from contacting the police to working with your insurance provider. If you had a car accident in Oklahoma, visit our body shop in OKC to get a free repair estimate for your vehicle.

Keep Cool and Stay Organized

The most important thing to do immediately after a wreck is to ensure your safety. If you or someone at the scene is hurt, dial 911 immediately. If you're in a dangerous intersection or in the middle of the road, pull off to the side, if possible, to get to safety. Be sure to use your flashers to alert other cars to the situation. If the accident is severe, leave the vehicle in place and call the police. Whether severe or a fender bender, never leave the scene of the accident without either calling the police or exchanging insurance information. Once you're safe, take pictures of the accident and document what happened. The police and your insurance provider will want as much information about the incident as possible. 

Working with the Police

It's always wise to report any traffic accident to the police, no matter how small. If its a minor fender bender and no one is hurt, they may not send a unit immediately, but it's still good to contact them regardless. Most stations prefer that you call 911 for an emergency and have a separate line to report non-emergency incidents. If police are dispatched, be sure to get the officer's name and badge number and ask them for a copy of the police report. 

Collecting Information

While you're taking pictures, jotting down notes or even sketching the scene, you'll want to get info from the other party. Get a picture of their driver's license, and write down all their insurance information. Collecting the VINs, license plate numbers and makes and models of any cars involved is also helpful. Any supplemental pictures you take, from skid marks to other property damage, can also help your claim. When engaging other parties

Contacting Your Insurance Provider

Once you have all your information together, you'll want to contact your insurance provider, typically immediately after you leave the scene. They'll ask for your collected information and provide you with a claim number. After that, an insurance adjuster will contact you to confirm details and begin working on their report and approval. Usually, at this time, they'll direct you to get a repair estimate. 

Find a Trusted Collision Center in Oklahoma City Area

At this point, things start to get a little bit easier. Once you go to a good collision center, they'll provide you with a free repair estimate and start working with your insurance company directly. They'll provide you and your insurance provider with a repair estimate, and your claim will be approved from there. The insurance company will pay the repair center, and you'll pay whatever deductible you owe at the time of pickup. 

Bob Moore Collision Center is Here to Help

If you've recently been in a wreck and need a free repair estimate, Bob Moore Collision Center is here to help. We'll work directly with your insurance provider, taking all the paperwork and legwork off your plate. We specialize in all sorts of collision repair, whether that's hail damage, fender benders or severe collision. Schedule your free repair estimate in Oklahoma City with us online!