WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER AN ACCIDENT?
1.) Take a deep breath.
Make sure your vehicle is no longer in motion, then put it in park and/or engage the parking brake, and turn off the engine.
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2.) Evaluate the situation.
In the case of serious injury, do not move your vehicle and stay in the car until emergency responders arrive. If you, and those involved in the accident, are not seriously injured (drivers, passengers and pedestrians), and if the cars are still mobile, they should be moved to the side of the road and out of the way of oncoming traffic.
Note: If the tires are obstructed or if the vehicle is leaking any fluid, do not move the vehicle and wait for a tow truck.
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3.) Alert other drivers to the situation.
Turn on your hazards. Set out cones, flares or warning triangles if available.
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4.) Call the police emergency services.
Even if the accident is minor, the police report will be helpful in dealing with your insurance company. Let the police determine who, if anyone, was at fault for the crash. Do not sign any document unless it's for the police. If the police are unable to make it to the scene, you can file an accident report.
Note: If it appears that no one has been hurt, you do not have to call the police. Be aware that police officers do not have to respond to calls concerning accidents that don't involve an injury.
Should an injury occur, or if there was at least $400 in property damage and if the driver or owner of one of the vehicles in the accident does not have auto insurance or acceptable financial responsibility coverage, you'll need to file a Crash Report (Form BMV 303) with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Keep in mind that you will need to do so within 6 months of the accident date.
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5.) Photograph the accident scene.
It is important to have detailed photos of damage to all vehicles as well as images that show the overall scene.
Note: A smartphone camera can also make it faster and easier to record all the documents and information from the "Accident Information Sheet".
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6.) Contact your insurance company.
Contact your insurance company and let them know what happened and that you want your vehicle repaired at Crestmont Cadillac Collision Center.
Some insurance companies have their own repair facilities, or have facilities they prefer to work with; however, you will need to consider which shop is going to be the most qualified to fix your vehicle to pre-loss condition and also guarantee that work for as long as you own that vehicle. You have the right to make that decision. You do not have to get more than one estimate and you, the customer, gets to decide who repairs your vehicle. Nobody else has the right to make that decision on your behalf.
The best choice to ensure the future quality and safety of your vehicle is a certified collision repair facility that provides manufacturer-approved repairs completed by factory-trained technicians.
A facility that does all the repairs in-house, bodywork and mechanical, with all repairs completed by ASE certified master mechanics and I-car Gold class collision repair technicians. Crestmont Automotive Group is that place. We can handle all of your automotive needs in-house with factory-trained technicians, including painting and refinishing in our state-of-the-art I-Car Gold Class facility.
We also provide loaner vehicles while we repair your vehicle. We work on all makes and models and with all Insurance companies. All of our work is guaranteed for as long as you own your vehicle. Crestmont has been a Cleveland landmark since 1973 so we will be here to honor that guarantee if the need should arise.
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7.) Arrange a tow.
Again, if the vehicle is severely damaged, the tires are obstructed or the vehicle is leaking fluids, it will need to be towed. If you do not feel safe driving the vehicle, it is always best to call for a tow. You may have a towing service through your vehicle manufacturer, your insurance company or AAA (if you are a member).
AAA: 1-800-222-4357
Parma Towing (Crestmont's preferred towing service):
(216) 661-2200
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8.) Contact Crestmont Collision Center.
Give us a call at (216) 831-5300 so we can help you every step of the way, including:
- Setting up your tow
- Securing a loaner vehicle
- Working with the insurance company to guarantee your vehicle is restored correctly
- Ensure your vehicle's future quality and most importantly, safety.