
How to Respond in a Tough Situation
Being in a car accident is the last thing anyone wants - but when it does
happen, there are ways of making sure that the legal and insurance issues
are handled with as little stress as possible.
- First of all - stay calm.
- If someone is injured, be sure to call for medical help.
- Make sure you call the police.
- Don't publicly make any statements where you either accuse the other person of causing the accident or take all the blame yourself. It could open you up to legal problems.
- Whatever you do, don't leave the scene until you've had a chance to talk with the officer and you've gotten their name. It's important to make sure that your side of the story goes on the record. Afterward, it's a good idea to get a copy of the police report.
- Make sure you have a pre-printed copy of your insurance information in the glove compartment, along with a camera you can use to provide pictures for the insurance company. A disposable camera with a flash for nighttime or interior shooting is usually best for this.
- In dealing with the other driver, make sure you get their name, address, driver's license number and insurance information - and that they get the same information from you.
- Also, make sure to get information from any witnesses as well.
- Make sure you get pictures of any physical evidence of what could have caused the accident.
- Write down pertinent details such as where the accident took place, what the weather was like, etc.
- Once the information's exchanged, report the accident to the insurance company immediately, even if it's not your fault.
- Make sure you understand how you're covered, and don't be afraid to ask the insurance company to explain the conditions of your coverage and payments.
- Don't be afraid to seek legal advice - and don't sign anything if you don't understand it.
- 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.
You have a right to know what kind of parts are being used on your vehicle, and to know if your insurance policy dictates what kind of parts can be used in your car. If your policy lets you choose, you have the right to decide for yourself. - An insurance company also has the right to inspect your vehicle, but it is not required to do so. In addition, they cannot require you to visit one of their own claim centers.
- And finally: Make sure you learn from this accident, but also let yourself move on from what happened. Everyone has an accident once in a while - it's just something that happens.
Remember - Drive Safely!
Want more information on your rights? To make an appointment, call us at
303-364-8344 or make an appointment
online!
What our clients are saying about us
We have established longterm and stable partnerships with various clients thanks to our excellence in solving their automotive needs!
I've worked on my vehicles my whole life if I didn't know how to do it, I'd learn....simply because I didn't trust auto mechanic shops. So it wasn't easy taking my truck into a shop. Sometimes you just have to because you can't figure out what the dang issue is. I found Gary's while researching, the shop had great reviews and it was super close too... so I gave them a shot. Stopped by the shop and found a welcoming, friendly place with a beautiful Aussie Sheppard laying at the counter like a furry greeter (a real Ma and Pa shop). Gary found it to be my PCM....he took care of the issue and went above and beyond regarding customer service, he even assisted with me getting my truck back while my wife was at work. My truck runs better than ever and I will not hesitate bringing any of my vehicles to this shop in the future. The worlds been an ugly divisive place recently and to experience this kind of old school friendly service meant a lot! Thanks Team Gary's shop!

Gary and his crew are true pros but also stand-up human beings. I brought in my car unsure of what was wrong with it but sure I couldn't drop a ton of money on it. Gary called me during multiple steps of fixing my car to make sure the work they were going to do was okay with me! Made me feel very comfortable and not surprised when I finally got to see the total price. The work they did was excellent, quickly done, and they even compiled a list of things to watch out for and timelines for future work to be done. Also they have shop dogs. Have recommended this place to my significant other and some friends as well!
