Statistically, you’re more likely to be involved in a traffic accident after dark. How much more likely? According to the National Safety Council, three times more likely. As Daylight Saving Time comes to a close, and sunlight gradually occupies fewer of our waking hours, the chances of involvement in a fender bender or more severe collision only grow. And, if you’re routinely out and about burning that midnight oil, the likelihood of experiencing an accident increases further. According to the National Safety Council, most nighttime vehicular accidents occur between the hours of midnight and 3 a.m., primarily due to substance impairment or sleep deprivation. What should you do if you’re the victim of a late-night accident? The professionals at Minnetonka Collision explain:
Assess the Situation
First things first, take stock of everyone in your vehicle. Is everyone conscious? Does anyone appear to be badly injured? If so, seek immediate medical attention. If everyone appears mentally and physically sound, take a moment to call the authorities—you’ll need to document the accident for insurance purposes. Then, take a look around the interior of your vehicle. Does everything appear to be in working order? Do you notice any damage? Jot down notes or, if you have a cell phone handy, take photos. Wait until the authorities arrive before exiting your vehicle to assess exterior damage. Because you may not be able to view the surrounding area in the dark, you put your safety at risk when you exit your vehicle.
Contact a Towing Company
If the damage to your vehicle is substantial, you’ll need to contact a 24/7 towing company—like Minnetonka Collision—that can get your car off the road and to the nearest auto repair shop. Remove any personal belongings from your vehicle, and if it’s safe to do so, remove any large pieces of debris from the road. At Minnetonka Collision, as part of our complete client service standard, we’ll even give you a ride home when we tow your vehicle. We know auto accidents can be stressful and overwhelming, and we’re here to help in any way we can. After your tow, we’ll even help you file your insurance claim.
File an Insurance Claim
At Minnetonka Collision, we know how time-consuming and frustrating insurance claims and paperwork can be, which is why we offer the added convenience of insurance claims assistance. Because we’ve dealt with insurance providers for decades, we’re well equipped to file your paperwork, contact your agent, and get you the compensation you deserve.
Schedule Auto Body Repair
After we’ve towed your vehicle and filed your claim, all that’s left is repairing the damage! Our team of highly trained auto body technicians are dedicated to your full satisfaction and will present you with a range of options to suit your needs. Whether you choose a simple paintless dent repair, or a more extensive specialty vehicle repair, our technicians are committed to rapid turnaround times and superior quality service.
Your Full-Service Auto Body Repair Shop in the Twin Cities
From the time we tow your vehicle to the moment we hand you the keys after your repairs, at Minnetonka Collision, we’re dedicated to your full satisfaction. For decades, we’ve been serving the Twin Cities metro area and are proud to say that many of our customers have been with us for years. When you need high-quality service with a mom-and-pop feel, our team is here for you. To learn more about our services or to schedule a vehicle repair, give us a call at 763-230-7805, or you can message us on our contact page.