No one ever wants to have a car accident or damage their vehicle. However, if you are in an auto collision, it's important to take the right steps to protect yourself and your vehicle. Here are a few tips to help ensure everyone's safety and avoid unnecessary hassles. 

Do:

Call the police. 

Even if an accident seems minor, call for help right away. Insurance companies require a police report when evaluating auto collision claims. The police will also take witness statements if needed, and collect all of the necessary details from you and the other driver. Calling 911 also alerts other emergency personnel to the accident. If anyone needs medical attention, or the fire department needs to clean up the scene, help will be on the way.

Collect information.

If you are unhurt, record the details of the auto collision while they are still fresh. Take photos of your car and the accident scene, including any skid marks or property damage. Jot down notes about what happened. Even if you think the details are clear, you may forget them later, which can affect any claims or court cases. You should also get the other driver's information, including their name and address, license plate number, and insurance information.

Don't:

Leave the scene.

Although you may need to move your car for safety reasons, it's best to stay put until the police arrive and clear the scene. Do not leave the scene of an auto collision until police give the okay. Even if the accident is a minor fender bender, or the other driver says they won't make an insurance claim, leaving the scene can lead to criminal charges. 

Accept responsibility.

After an auto collision, do not say or do anything that could be interpreted as accepting blame. This includes apologizing to the other driver or even discussing what happened. You should also avoid accusing the other driver of causing the accident. Even if it is clear what happened, let the police assess the scene and determine responsibility for the crash. Even seemingly innocent or polite comments at the scene can be used as evidence later and affect the outcome of a claim. 

If you're in an auto collision, getting your car repaired is one of your first priorities. Bring your damaged car to Mark’s Auto Body in Cincinnati, OH, to have it repaired and looking new again. For over 25 years, the highly trained technicians at this auto body shop have worked on all makes and models, fixing everything from minor dents to major damage. Learn more about their services online, or call (513) 731-4273 for an appointment.