What to Do When You Get into a Car Accident

DURAND, Mich., –– Getting into a car accident is a scary experience. On top of any physical injuries or damage that may happen, there are also the repairs on your vehicle to consider. Even the most skilled and alert drivers can find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time and involved in a collision. You may be shaken and disoriented, but it is very important to follow the correct procedures to get all of the information you need and keep everyone safe. So read on to learn what to do when you get into a car accident.

In the event that you get into a car accident, follow these steps to ensure the best possible outcome:

• Check for injuries.
• Drive your vehicle to a safe location, if possible. Out of the way of traffic.
• Call the police to the scene.
• Exchange information with other drivers involved.
• Assess the damage and take pictures.

What if it looks like there is no damage to the vehicles?

Even if both vehicles look completely fine, you should always get the other driver's insurance information and call the police so that they can file a report. Very often the exterior of your vehicle will look fine, but there is actually interior damage that has occurred during the impact. If you don't have a police report and the other driver's insurance info, you will most likely wind up having to pay costly repairs all by yourself.

What do you need in order to file an insurance claim?

Filing an insurance claim requires several pieces of proof. First, you'll need a copy of the police report, which you can obtain from the officer on site or from the police station. Next, you'll need the insurance information of any other parties involved in the accident. Getting eyewitness proof will help further your case, as well. Finally, you'll need a copy of the claim number, which we are happy to assist you with obtaining.

How do I file a claim? Can anyone help me?

Our Collision Center staff will be to assist you with navigating this stressful and time-consuming process. We can finish the paperwork with your insurance company ourselves, or one of our dedicated members of the staff can help you directly. We will then bill your insurance company, which will give you a deductible to pay off accordingly. Be sure to check out our insurance FAQ if you have any questions about insurance claims!

How long will the repairs on my vehicle take?

Every accident causes different damage and certain accidents may require more extensive repairs. While some may only take a few hours, others can take days. We at Graff Durand make it our goal to service your vehicle at the fastest and most efficient speed we can so you can get back on the road in no time. Feel free to reach out to our staff at the Collision Center for any questions you may need answered or for further assistance.

Getting into a collision with another vehicle can be a terrifying and confusing thing to experience, and it's important to know exactly what to do when you get into a car accident. At the Hank Graff Collision Center in Durand, we are happy to provide you with a FREE collision repair estimate and help you navigate the entire process. We are willing and able to meet with your claims adjuster to provide the estimate of how much damage was accrued. This information will also be communicated to you, and we won’t begin repairs until you give us your approval.

Located at 9009 East Lansing Road in Durand, MI 48429, Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand wants to revolutionize your car buying experience. We’ll bring all the transparency and customer satisfaction you need while making the buying experience fun! If you have any questions be sure to contact us at (989) 288-2657 or head over to our website at www.GraffChevyDurand.com! We are proud to serve Durand and the surrounding communities of Owosso, Flint, Genesee Charter Township, Swartz Creek, and Corunna.

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