How to Appropriately Respond to a Car Accident
To ensure the safety of yourself and others. If you are involved in an accident, it is important to stay calm and assess the situation. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Even if there are no obvious injuries, it is important to seek medical attention to be checked out for any hidden injuries.
Ensure Safety First:
The immediate priority after an accident is safety. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location, turn on hazard lights, and check for injuries among yourself, passengers, and others involved. Call 911 for medical assistance if necessary.
Notify Law Enforcement:
Contact law enforcement as soon as possible. It's crucial to report the accident to the police as they will create an official accident report, which can be valuable for insurance claims and legal purposes later on.
Exchange Information:
Exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved in the accident. Gather names, phone numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance details. It would be ideal to be polite and cooperative during this process. Also, make sure to get information from any witnesses as well.
Document the Accident:
Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, license plates, road conditions, and traffic signs. This visual evidence can be essential for insurance claims. Write down details such as where the accident took place, what the weather was like, etc.
Seek Medical Attention:
Even if you don't feel injured immediately, it's advisable to seek medical attention. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away, and a medical evaluation can help in documenting any injuries related to the accident.
Notify Your Insurance Company:
Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with all the necessary details, including the other driver's information and the accident report number.
Avoid Placing Fault:
While it's essential to cooperate with the authorities and share information, avoid admitting fault or making accusations towards anyone involved. Fault determination is often handled by the insurance companies and legal processes.
Contact an Attorney:
If the accident involves significant injuries or complex liability issues, consider consulting an attorney experienced in personal injury cases. They can provide guidance on your legal rights and potential claims.
Keep Records:
Maintain detailed records of all accident-related expenses, such as medical bills, repair costs, and any missed workdays due to injuries. This documentation will be crucial for insurance claims and potential lawsuits.
Follow Up with Insurance:
Stay in communication with your insurance company throughout the claims process. Cooperate with their investigations, provide requested documents promptly, and keep track of claim progress.
Additional Notes:
When you're using a body shop to get repairs to your vehicle, be aware that the insurance company can recommend a shop, but you are under no legal obligation to use its services. You have the legal right to choose the shop to do your repairs.
Also be aware that insurance companies sometimes try to dictate what type of parts are used in a vehicle's repair. They might insist that a shop not use Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts, as they are more expensive.
what our customers say
Getting your only vehicle for your household in for service due to engine codes going off for me is a nerve racking experience. But let me tell you the service and honesty and professional attitude of this service center has made me a believer in "good" people left in the world. Not only did they take the time to explain the issues my vehicle had but helped me out getting me to work and home. Dennis is a amazing man and his shop will always be where I will take my cars to forever. They fixed my car and got it back to me, so I can get back to taking care of my family and really treated me like "I mattered to them". Thank you again for everything you have been doing for our community and I appreciate everything you did for me that no other service center would do! My vehicle is running well as it should! Bravo!
They are awesome. We will only use them from now on. Went in for 2 front tires, and had gotten a safety inspection. We were sure we needed drivers side brakes replaced and had mentioned it to them. They really could have taken us for more money but they are truly HONEST. They told use all the brakes on the car were great and the only thing they recommended was an alignment. So glad we stopped there instead of the cheaper place "Walmart". This establishment cares and is honest. I will recommend them to everyone I know.
I could not be happier with the professionalism and service of the these guys! I had major damage to my daughter's engine and they made sure I was completely aware of everything that was going on. They sent pictures, emailed, called?. They took their time and did exceptional work. Zero surprises Fees were fair and reasonable I never felt like they were taking advantage of me because I am a girl (which happens sometimes) Absolutely the best repair shop. They gained a forever customer.
My truck's water pump gave out, and the serpentine belt flew off on the highway. I had my insurance company tow it to Williams Automotive Inc. I spoke with Jeff, and he informed me of what the damage was. He gave me a best and worse outcome for the fix. It has been my experience that when you are given two options of what may happen from an automotive shop, it's usually the more costly repair that you get to deal with, according to them, when they get back to you about it. However, surprisingly, Jeff got back to me via text with a picture of the object in question and informed me that the cheaper fix will do. I was shocked to say the least, and definitely happy about the good news. I believe they did excellent work, and gave me excellent customer service at a reasonable price. Would not hesitate to go back if/when needed.
10 out of 10 as always. The mechanics do great work, no one tries to up sell you on anything. If a new or potential problem is discovered, while your car is being repaired for the original reason it's being worked on, NO additional or surprise repairs are done without the customer's approval first. Customer service is top notch, always professional and courteous, and the customers are always greeted like family. We will not take our vehicles anywhere else.
