It's an unfortunate fact of life that everybody is in a car accident at some point in their life. The safe driver is only in one or two over years of driving and therefore isn't always sure of the process after an accident occurs. It's upsetting to see your car wrecked and can be difficult to find a ride home, especially if you're out of town when the accident occurs. There are a series of steps to follow after an accident to make your life as easy as possible under the circumstances.
What to Do Immediately After an Accident
Obviously, the first step is to assure everybody involved is okay and not injured. Once you're certain nobody has an immediate health need, you call the police. While you wait, you can start informally assessing the amount of damage to your car and whether or not you may be able to drive it after the police report is filed. Even though you are likely upset or mad, you want to remain cordial and polite with the other drivers and especially with the officer who arrives to review the accident.
Preparing Insurance Claims
At the scene of the accident, you and anyone else involved are going to exchange insurance information. If you were determined to legally at fault, your insurance is going to pay for the damage to both cars and vice versa if the other driver is at fault. Regardless, you'll want to check with your insurance agent for any advice they may have to offer as an expert who deals with the aftermath of traffic accidents on a regular basis. Your mechanic will also understand how to deal with an insurance claim and bill the company directly.
Finding a Mechanic
There are a few things to look for when trying to find a mechanic. You may have worked with a mechanic in the past or get a recommendation from friends and family as to which local mechanics are trustworthy. A mechanic who is known in the community as a local business is typically the type of shop you can trust. You can of course trust your instinct if the mechanic seems professional when giving an estimate and if they keep the shop clean so they can work efficiently. A great mechanic will be able to give a reasonable estimate both for the expense and time the repair is going to take.