At Patriot Auto Group, we want our customers to feel taken care of in every way. We not only want to help you find the ideal new or quality pre-owned vehicle for you and your family, but we also want you to feel that Chevrolet service goes beyond the transactional.
To that end, here’s an overview of what to do if you have been in a car accident.
You might be injured or in more immediate danger if you blindly rush out. Stay where you are and take an inventory.
If you have passengers, make sure they are uninjured. Once you’ve determined everyone in your Chevy vehicle is safe, make sure everyone else in the other car (if applicable) is safe as well. Do this in a safe and responsible manner.
Many people involved in even minor accidents will simply flee the scene. This is not acceptable in any circumstances. Even if you are clearly at fault, the right thing to do is to stay and face the situation. Lives may depend on your presence, and you don’t want the added criminal liability of leaving the scene, which is illegal.
This depends on the severity of the accident, of course. Smaller accidents can be more complicated. Your best bet is to involve the authorities, even if you’re at fault. You never know when a full report by a law enforcement officer can actually work to your advantage.
This is often the number one piece of advice, and while it’s crucial, it’s more important to secure the safety of everyone involved. Once you’ve determined that everyone in the area is out of danger, exchange information with the other party or parties.
Exchange insurance information, but also get their full name, address, and phone number. If they will not provide this information, take a record of their vehicle.
Thoroughly take pictures of your car and their car, any and all damage on both vehicles, and be sure to get a picture of their license plate. This way, if they don’t cooperate, you’ll be able to provide some information to the police.
The team at Patriot Auto Group is here to answer any and all questions around accidents and the protocol involved. Get in contact with one of our Chevy dealers or head to one of our Pennsylvania dealerships to learn more.