Before anything else, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away. If the vehicles are drivable and you're in a dangerous spot — a live lane, a curve, or a busy intersection — pull over to the shoulder or a nearby parking lot. Turn on your hazard lights so other drivers can see you. If the cars can't be moved safely, leave them where they are, get yourself to a safe place away from traffic, and wait for help.
Even for what looks like a minor fender-bender, it's worth calling the police. An official accident report creates a neutral, written record of what happened, who was involved, and the conditions at the scene. That report can make your insurance claim much smoother and protects you if the other driver's story changes later. Ask the responding officer how to obtain a copy of the report and write down the report or case number.
Trade the details you'll need to file a claim. Stay calm and polite, and collect:
If there were any witnesses, ask for their names and phone numbers too. A neutral witness can be a big help if there's a dispute about what happened.
Your phone is one of the most useful tools you have right now. Take plenty of pictures from different angles, including:
More photos are always better than fewer. You can't go back and re-take them later, and they give your insurer and your repair shop a clear picture of the damage.
It's natural to want to apologize, but try not to say anything that sounds like you're accepting blame — even a casual "I'm sorry." Fault is determined later, based on the facts, the police report, and the insurance investigation. Stick to exchanging information and describing what happened factually. Let the professionals sort out who was responsible.
Notify your insurance company as soon as you reasonably can — many people call from the scene once everyone is safe. Have your policy number, the photos, and the other driver's details ready. Your insurer will open a claim and give you a claim number. Keep that number handy; you'll need it when you schedule repairs.
If your car isn't safe to drive — leaking fluids, a flat or damaged tire, broken lights, or anything that affects steering or braking — don't risk it. Arrange a tow to a safe location or directly to a repair shop. Many insurance policies include towing coverage, so it's worth asking your insurer when you call. You have the right to have your vehicle towed to the shop of your choice.
Once the immediate steps are handled, the next move is a repair estimate. This is where we come in. Bring your vehicle to Primeline Auto Body and we'll assess the damage, give you a clear written estimate, and walk you through what your car needs to be restored to pre-accident condition — safely and properly.
You don't have to manage the claim alone. We work directly with all major insurance carriers, coordinate with your adjuster, and handle the paperwork so you can focus on getting back to normal. From the first estimate to final pickup, we keep you informed every step of the way.
Bring us the damage and the claim number — we'll take care of the rest. Free, no-obligation estimates.