When you think of taking a road trip, you might think of singing loudly along with the radio, eating gas station junk food and the beautiful sights and scenery you will see along the way. Unfortunately, when an unexpected car accident happens, it can put a damper on your trip. Make note of the following tips on what to do if you are involved in a car accident during your travels.
Determine if Anyone Is Injured
The first thing that should be done after a car accident is to assess if anyone has been injured. Are you and your passengers okay? If another vehicle was involved, are the people in the other car okay?
Dial 911
Even if no one has been injured, the accident needs to be reported to the authorities. If the car(s) involved in the accident are not blocking traffic, do not try to move them. Simply call 911 and wait for the police to arrive.
Exchange Information with the Other Driver
If another driver is involved in the accident, get his/her name, address, phone number, and car insurance information (insurance company and policy number). It is also important to document the make and model of the other car, along with the license plate number.
Document the Accident
When the police arrive, tell them what happened and have them fill out an accident report. Make sure to get a copy of the report before leaving the scene. It is also recommended that you take photos of the accident in order to provide as many details as possible for your insurance company.
Manage Your Vehicle
If the accident was minor, chances are you can still drive your car and continue on your road trip. However, if your car is no longer drivable, that complicates things. Two options include towing it to a nearby body shop for reparations and having it towed back home to be fixed. You can also opt to rent a car to continue on your road trip or head home.
Call Your Insurance Company
Make sure to call your insurance company right away to report the accident and file a claim. This can even be done from the scene of the accident. The sooner you call, the sooner your insurance company can process the claim and send a representative out to evaluate the damages to your car.
Do Regular Vehicle Maintenance
Part of the preparations that should be made prior to leaving on any road trip is to have your vehicle serviced, as vehicle maintenance is extremely important. Make sure to have the oil changed, tire pressure checked, tires rotated, and any other necessary maintenance. This will prevent any elements of the vehicle from malfunctioning on the road.
Schedule Your Vehicle Maintenance with Valley Automall Today
At Valley Automall, our service technicians use state-of-the-art equipment to ensure efficient vehicle maintenance. Make a service appointment today and get your car road trip ready by calling 702-570-2257.