Industry Insights, At Your Fingertips
Get the latest information on the automotive industry and follow along as we share the best practices, tips and tricks on how you can take good care of your vehicle.
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What To Do In The Event Of An Accident
1. Safety First
If it’s possible, move your vehicle out of harm's way and turn on the hazard flashers. Surround your car with warning triangles or flares if you have them. Then get out of the car and stand a safe distance away while you talk to other drivers or wait for help.
2. Are You Injured?
Check yourself and others involved to make sure no one is hurt. Some injuries may delay their effects, so check often over time. Even a fender bender might have caused an injury that's not noticeable right away. Small things like dizziness, nausea, and trouble focusing may be a sign someone is injured more than they appear. Call for medical help if there is any doubt.
3. Call The Authorities
Call 9-1-1! Especially if there has been substantial damage and anyone is injured or acting confrontational. When the police arrive, ask for the investigating officer's name, contact information, and for the accident report number so you can follow up.
4. Exchange Information
Obtain the name, address, phone number, drivers license number, plate number, and insurance information of any other drivers involved in the accident. Also record names of anyone with injuries and witnesses. Don't argue over who is at fault, and don’t admit blame.
5. Record The Scene
If possible, take photos of the scene (a cell-phone camera can come in handy) or draw a diagram showing the positions of all involved vehicles. Contact your insurer right away.
6. Call East Coast Collision
After recording the scene, call East Coast Collision at (301) 638-9606 and we'll guide you through the next steps of getting your vehicle repaired quickly and safely.
Keep and share this guide with your friends and loved ones. You never know when you’ll need an accident guide!
Post-Repair Care
You are able to wash your vehicle by hand with cool water and a very mild car wash solution using a soft cloth or sponge as soon as you get it back.
For the first 30 days we suggest that you:
- Do NOT use a commercial car wash. Stiff brushes/sponges can mar the finish and damage the surface.
- Do not drive on gravel roads. Chipping the finish is easily done in the first 30 days.
- Avoid parking under trees and utility lines which are likely to attract birds. Bird droppings have a high acid content and will damage a freshly painted surface. Also, tree sap can mar or spot a freshly painted surface.
- Do not spill gasoline, oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, or windshield solvent on the new finish.
- Do not scrape ice or snow from the newly painted surface.
- Do not wax or polish the vehicle. This will allow the finish to dry and harden completely.