What to Do After a Car Accident

Car accidents are an unfortunate part of everyday life around San Diego. They can be traumatic for all drivers and passengers involved, but knowing what to do after a car accident is vital because it can help make the collision a bit less troubling. When you’re in the middle of the drama and shaken up, it’s hard to think clearly, so understanding what to do after a car accident ahead of time can be helpful. Read this guide by Kearny Mesa Kia on what to do after a car accident, how to file a car insurance claim, and more. If you have any questions, contact us today. 

Checklist for What to Do After a Car Accident

Minor car accidents that don’t require medical assistance should be handled differently than a more serious collision. A minor auto collision may include a fender-bender or someone backing into your Kia in a parking lot. Here is what you should do after a car accident:

1. Immediately check to see if you or your passengers need medical attention. If so, call 911.
2. If you can do it safely, carefully pull your vehicle over to a safe spot.Don’t park it too far away from the accident scene. The goal is not to block traffic and get it out of further danger.
3. Call the police.Even if the other driver says that it’s unnecessary to call the police because it’s a minor accident, you still should! A police report provides an official account of the situation, and your insurance company will probably want it. 
4. Exchange contact information with everyone else involved. Also, take pictures of their driver’s license with your smartphone. Get the other El Cajon driver’s insurance policy information, and take a picture of their license plate number and insurance card. If there were witnesses to the collision, get their contact information too.
5. Document the visible damage to your Kia.Take detailed pictures of the damage to all vehicles involved. If you can, take a photo of the accident scene and make notes of what occurred.
6. Call your insurance provider to report the car accident immediately and to begin a car accident insurance claim.
7. Follow up with your physician.If you were injured during the accident and are still feeling bad, even after being treated, you should follow up and do whatever your doctor recommends. Keep your insurance agent informed of your recovery progress and prognosis.

How to File a Car Insurance Claim

Filing a car accident insurance claim with your agent in La Mesa is relatively simple. While the insurance claim process may vary somewhat depending on your insurance provider and coverage, the process of how to file a car insurance claim is reasonably standard. When you file a car accident insurance claim with your insurance broker, you’ll have to provide the following information:

• Your insurance policy number, which is printed on your insurance card or policy
• A detailed description of how the car accident occurred
• The date, time, and location of the accident
• Share the collected contact and insurance information of the other people involved
• Give your insurance agent the name of the police officer and department that came to the scene, as well as the police report number (if applicable)

Next, your Kia will be looked at by an insurance adjuster. You’ll need to get a couple of estimates of the cost of auto repairs, and the service center at Kearny Mesa Kia is happy to help with that. Give us a call!

Kearny Mesa Kia is Always At Your Service

When it’s time for you to get back on Chula Vista roads, you can trust the body shop and service center at Kearny Mesa Kia to do the job right. From external damage to your Kia to any mechanical issues, we’ll have you back on the road as quickly as possible. Schedule an appointment online, and we’ll have you back on the road in no time!