No one expects or plans to be in a car accident.  Oftentimes car accidents happen at the most inconvenient times.  Regardless of the size of the accident, car accidents are scary. Here at American Auto Body & Collision we work to take the stress off of you.  It is important to know exactly what to do when you have a car accident.  

After the fog of adrenaline and concern about the safety of yourself and the other motorists on the road around you, you might be left with questions about your next steps.

• When should I call the police?  
• What about my car repairs?  
• How do I file a claim with my insurance?
• And so many more…

Rules regarding car accidents change from state to state.  American Auto Body & Collision is a Tulsa based full service auto body repair and restoration shop. The basic instructions outlined today apply to any city or state, not just Tulsa, Oklahoma.

If you have any questions about what to do after a car accident or would like to talk to one of our representatives about your car repairs, call us today at 539-367-3564 or email us at info@americanabac.com.  We pride ourselves in our quality restorations taking your car from beat to beauty.  Our goal is to get you back on the road as quickly as possible.  

The Highlights

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I JUST had a Car Accident

Let’s start at the beginning.  You just had a car accident.  Regardless of who’s at fault or the apparent size of the car accident there are ten things that every driver should do.  The time period immediately after a car accident can be the most confusing and disorienting time period.  If nothing else, the adrenaline coursing through your veins can sometimes make it hard to think.  

1 Stay Calm

Stay Calm. Easier said than done right?  Even if no one was seriously injured, accidents are scary.  Whenever possible, try to remain as calm as possible while you sort out what to do.  Everything hinges on this. 

https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-calm-down#15.-Identify-pressure-points-to-calm-anger-and-anxiety

2 Check for Injuries

In the aftermath of a serious event like a car accident, it isn’t always apparent that you or your passengers have been injured.  Our bodies coursing with adrenaline don’t always let us know that we have been hurt.  It’s important that you check both yourself, your passengers and any other cars involved for injuries. Once you have done so, make sure to find a safe place to wait for the authorities to arrive.  

If at any point, you see something make sure to immediately call 911.  The difference of a few seconds could end up saving someone after a traumatic event like a car crash. 

3 Call the Police

For any accidents involving injury or serious property damage, the state of Oklahoma requires that you contact the police.  In general, it is a good idea to always call the police regardless of the size of the accident.  This will further your case with insurance companies and in courts when it comes time to receive damages.  Investigations by the police bring legitimacy to your case.  

When you do call the police, make sure that you get the names of the investigating officers.  This is a step that many people overlook, but that could prove useful further down the road.  

4 Identify the Drivers

After you have called the authorities, it is time to exchange information.  But what information?  When you get into a car accident, you want to get all of the information you will need to file insurance claims while you are on the scene.  You don’t want to allow you or any other drivers involved to drive away immediately after an accident.  For one thing, in Tulsa, Oklahoma it is illegal to drive away from the scene without first ensure the safety of other drivers. For the second thing, if you allow others to leave, you may never be able to contact them again. 

All that to say make sure you get all the information you need.  Exchange your…

• Name
• Address
• Phone Number
• Insurance Company
• Policy Number
• Driver’s License Number

In addition to this basic information, make sure you also collect information on the other cars involved in the accident and which drivers belong with which cars.  You want to know the make, model and color or the other vehicles.  Don’t forget to gather license plate numbers also.  

What if they drive off?

We realize it isn’t always possible to get all of this information from drivers.  Sometimes regardless of what the law says, drivers hit and run.  When this happens, do your best to get the make, model, color and license plate information.  Focus on the license plate.  If you get a look at the drivers face or any other information that might be helpful when attempting to contact him, write it down.  The most important thing is that you ensure everyone who is left remaining on the scene is safe and healthy.  Worry about people first and things like cars and property second. 

5 Find Witnesses

Whenever possible collect information from other witnesses of the accident.  People on the sidewalks or in passing cars who saw the accident make great witnesses.  Obviously you don’t need as much information from these people.  Simply their name and phone number will do.  These are people that you can call on should you need to corroborate your story. 

6 What about Fault?

On this step, we go back to the first step which told us to remain calm.  When you’re sitting on the side of the road after a car accident, isn’t the time to place blame.  Even if the other driver was clearly at fault, do not incite anger into an already stressful situation.  This will go a long way toward not causing an argument.  Instead, wait until the police arrive.  If the other driver admits fault, make a mental note.  When the police arrive, don’t discuss fault only the facts as you recall them.  Make sure that you accurately portray as much of the information as possible.  

7 File an Accident Report

From time to time the police may not respond to your car accident, when this is the case, it’s on you to file an accident report. You in Tulsa, Oklahoma or the surrounding regions are required to file an accident report.  Below are links to three of the most common cities in which you may have had a collision.  Make sure you file your accident report with the Department of Public Safety in a timely manner.  You have approximately 24 hours to complete this report and submit it from the time that your accident took place. Waiting to file this report could have negative effects on your insurance claims or any court cases.

• https://police.bixbyok.gov/
• https://www.brokenarrowok.gov/government/police/divisions/support/records
• https://www.tulsapolice.org/police-report/report-a-crime-online/collision-report.aspx

8 Take Photos

The next thing that you want to do is document your accident.  Make sure that you clearly take pictures of the site of the accident on your phone.  You want to show all cars or objects involved in the crash.  Remember to take photos of both the outside and inside of your cars.  It may also be helpful to take a video walkthrough of your crash.  You can use these photos and videos later when trying to prove liability.  

9 Call for Roadside Assistance

Depending on the state of your vehicle, you may need to call for assistance.  Below are a few common links to companies who can help you get your vehicle to a safe location. 

• THE BEST 10 Roadside Assistance in Tulsa, OK – Last Updated January 2021 

10 Contact your Insurance Company

The final thing that you need to do immediately after a car accident is contact your insurance company.  You will need to submit a claims form.  Most insurance companies will allow you to fill this form out online or through a mobile app. 

Call for an Estimate

Car accidents bring stress into anyone’s life. It’s important to work with a qualified professional when trying to repair damages. American Auto Body & Collision is here to help you. Our goal is to get your car in and out of the shop as fast as possible. Don’t let a car accident slow you down. Get back on the road fast by calling 539-367-3564 or email us at info@americanabac.com for more information. We will get your car into the shop fast with fast turn around times, insurance claim assistance and detailed inspections.

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