You hope it never happens to you. But odds are, even the safest drivers will be involved in some kind of fender bender at least once in their lifetime. While the aftermath is never fun, the pain is exasperated when the car you’re driving is brand new.

Once you’ve confirmed that you and everyone involved in the crash are unharmed, there are a few steps to take to help make dealing with the accident easier. The auto repair experts at Minnetonka Collison Center want to ensure you and your car get back on the road as quickly as possible.

Here are four steps to take after a fender bender:

  1. Move to safety: If your minor collision occurs on a busy roadway, it’s important to pull off to the side of the road, out of harm’s way, as soon as possible; don’t forget to turn on your hazard lights. Even if no one is hurt, it’s a good idea to call 911, but it isn’t against the law to exchange information and move on. However, having a report from a neutral third party, such as the police, is a good idea.
     
  2. Exchange insurance information: This is the most important step when you’re in an accident. Both you and the other driver need to exchange insurance information in order to open a claim. If you don’t have your insurance information on you, don’t panic. Make sure to give and receive current contact information so that you can provide the proper information within 24 hours. If the other person doesn’t have their insurance information, make sure the phone number they provided works before leaving the scene.
     
  3. Take photos: Documenting the circumstances surrounding the accident, including road conditions, weather and the condition of all vehicles involved is extremely important. Take as many photos of your car and the other cars involved. It’s also a good idea to gather up any nearby witnesses who may have seen the incident.
     
  4. Never admit fault: Even if you believe you may be at fault, never take ownership of an accident. You can tell the truth, but stick to the facts and never offer up opinion until you have had time to process every detail. Research shows that, typically, no one driver is ever fully at fault in an accident. Let your insurance providers determine who is the responsible party.

For more information on what to do after a fender bender or to get a quote for repair, call us today at (763) 230-7805.