Toyota of Orlando’s tips: What to do after an accident!
Auto accidents happen, and when they do the after-effects can be extremely costly, time-consuming, and stressful. As a provider of new Toyota and used cars in Orlando to drivers in Central Florida, Toyota of Orlando is here to provide you with tips on how to lessen the negative after-effects of a car accident, and how to proactively prepare yourself just in case one does occur! Our auto body repair shop in Orlando is staffed with trained Toyota technicians who know the proper steps to take in the case of a car accident, and we’re always here to answer any questions you may have – even if you’re not a Toyota driver in Orlando!Preparation is key - take it Toyota of Orlando's Collision Center!
First of all, preparation is key. Of course, you never WANT an accident to happen – but they inevitably do. Why not make things easier by taking a few small steps to prepare just in case? Know your insurance company and their ins and outs – what will they cover in the case of an accident? You should also know what your deductible is, and what steps they expect you to take after an accident when you file a claim.Toyota of Orlando’s Collision Center also recommends having an “accident kit” in your car so you’re not scrambling around in the event of a crash. This kit should contain items like a flashlight, a pen and paper, a cell phone and charger, a first-aid kit in case there’s any minor injuries involved, and a measuring tape to help you document damage. You might want to consider even keeping a fire extinguisher in your vehicle, as well as traffic flares or cones for accidents that occur at night. Also, you should keep a list of emergency contacts and any medical conditions you may have, as well as any medications you’re allergic to. This can greatly help medical personnel if you’re unable to communicate!
After the accident happens, take a second to breathe. Assess the situation – are you injured? Is anyone else in your vehicle injured? If so, call emergency personnel. Additionally, regardless of injuries you’ll want to contact law enforcement so you can make a report for insurance purposes. You should also try to move your vehicle off of the road and out of the way of oncoming traffic if possible, to ensure everyone’s safety. Don’t forget to turn on your hazard lights!
Next, DOCUMENT. Most of us have handy cell phone cameras, but if not, you should consider keeping a disposable camera in your glovebox so you can document any and all damage to your vehicle, as well as the other person’s car. You’ll also want to exchange info with the other driver – this includes names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance information, your driver’s license number and license plate number, and a written description of your vehicle. Also, take the time to jot down what happened in the accident – it may be hard to remember later on! You should additionally take statements from witnesses now, while they’re still at the scene.
Finally, file your report with law enforcement. It’s true that sometimes, the police won’t respond to an accident if no one has been injured. However, you should still file a report as it may help speed up your insurance process – you can do it online for convenience. Just have it on record!
Toyota of Orlando hopes this helps you both prepare for and deal with auto accidents. If you have questions, or need affordable auto repair in Orlando, just give us a call! Our Toyota Collision Center is happy to help, and it’s located alongside our Toyota dealership in Orlando at 3575 Vineland Road. You can also reach us by phone at (866) 637-2430… and don’t forget to ask about our service specials in Orlando!
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