What to Do After a Car Accident in Lincoln

Car accidents can be incredibly scary and traumatic for everyone, whether they are major or minor. However, it’s important that you know what to do after a car crash, so you can feel prepared and it can be the least upsetting experience possible. The fear that comes after an accident can make it difficult to think about the next steps. It is crucial to understand what to do when the situation does happen. Our expert team at Honda of Lincoln what you need to protect yourself after a car accident.

What to Do After a Car Accident Checklist

Minor Accidents

Some examples of minor car accidents include a fender-bender at an intersection or someone backing into your car in a parking lot. Here’s what you should do after a minor car accident:

1. First and foremost, check to see if you or your passengers need medical attention. If so, call an ambulance right away.
2. If you’re in stable condition, pull your vehicle over to a safe spot. You don’t want to stray too far from the scene of the accident, but you also don’t want to block traffic.
3. Call the police. Even if the other driver suggests that you don’t need the police for a minor accident, you should still call. It’s best to have an official report documented, and your insurance company may require it. 
4. Exchange contact information. Exchange phone numbers, email addresses, and the insurance policy information of the other driver(s) involved. It’s also important to get a photo of everyone’s driver’s licenses, license plate numbers, and insurance cards. If there were any witnesses to the accident, you should also ask for their contact information.
5. Document your vehicle’s damage. Take detailed photos of the damage to both your vehicle and the other vehicle or vehicles involved. If possible, you should also get a photo of the accident scene.
6. Call your insurance provider. The sooner you tell them the details of the accident, the sooner the claims process can begin.

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. If you’re seriously injured, you should alert emergency personnel or have someone call on your behalf immediately. The police should come along with an ambulance to assess the scene and damage. If you need immediate medical attention and cannot document important information on your own, the police will likely have considered this. However, it’s always important to follow up to ensure you have all the information you need.
2. Contact your insurance provider. Even if someone already filed the claim on your behalf while you were receiving medical attention, you should follow up with your insurance provider. You’ll need to give them more information about the accident to ensure everyone is properly compensated.
3. Follow up with your physician. If you’re still feeling any pain after the accident and after being treated by emergency personnel, you should visit your regular physician for additional help.

Filing a Car Accident Insurance Claim

When you file an insurance claim it should be relatively clear cut. The process may be different with each provider or type of coverage. For the most part, figuring out how to file a car insurance claim is fairly simple and universal. When it’s time to file a claim with your insurance provider, you’ll need to give them the following information:

• Insurance policy number
• Description, in detail, of how the accident occurred
• The date, time, and location of the accident
• Be sure to collect the contact and insurance information from the other parties
• Provide the information of the police department involved, as well as the police report number 

At this point, you’ll need your vehicle to be evaluated by an insurance adjuster. The adjuster estimates the cost of your repairs, coverage, etc. If the photos and police report are not sufficient, there is a chance you may have to meet with someone from the insurance company so your vehicle can be inspected in person.

Our Team at Honda of Lincoln Is Here to Help

You will be prepared to get back on the roads of Bellevue and Omaha, when you come to the Honda of Lincoln service center! We can help fix any mechanical issues, and we’ll get you moving in no time. Coming to a factory-certified auto repair shop makes working with insurance companies easier. Be sure to contact us with any questions you may have today!