Crashes aren’t cinematic—they’re loud, disorienting, and over in seconds. In that blur, two priorities matter most: protect people first, then protect your claim. Knowing what to do after a car accident—before you ever need it—keeps you calm and reduces costly mistakes. This guide from Auto Stars Collision & Mechanic in Richmond Hill, Ontario, explains what to do after a car accident in practical, easy-to-follow steps: immediate safety moves, smart documentation, insurance coordination, towing choices, repair timelines, and how to avoid common traps. Clear actions, plain language, and no scare tactics—just the help you need on a stressful day.
Why Preparation Matters
Preparation beats luck because it shrinks decisions under pressure. A simple checklist turns “What now?” into “Next step.” When you already know what to do after a car accident, you’ll focus on hazards, collect the right photos, and say the right things—without guessing or over-sharing at the scene.
What to Do After a Car Accident: The First 5 Minutes
Your priority is people and hazard control. Follow this compact sequence so you don’t have to think twice.
- Check for Injuries: If anyone is hurt or unsure, call 911. Don’t move injured people unless there’s immediate danger. This is the most important part of what to do after a car accident.
- Make the Scene Safe: Hazards on, vehicles to a safe shoulder if drivable, triangles or flares if available and safe to place.
- Be Courteous, Not Confessional: Keep voices calm; avoid statements that sound like admitting fault.
- Call Police When Required: Injury, impaired driving, significant damage, or uncertainty? Call. A report often simplifies claims.
- Scan for Leaks: If you smell fuel or see fluid pooling, keep your distance and inform the dispatcher.
What to Do After a Car Accident: Document the Scene Like a Pro
Your phone is your best tool. Think “wide, medium, close,” and do it before vehicles move.
- Wide Shots: Multiple angles of the entire scene—lanes, signals, skid marks, where vehicles came to rest.
- Medium Shots: Each side of each vehicle with plates visible.
- Close-Ups: Dents, scrapes, wheel/tire hits, deployed airbags, dash warnings.
- Context Details: Street signs, business names, house numbers—anchors that prove location and direction.
- Quick Voice Note: Date/time, your direction and speed estimate, what you noticed right before impact.
- Witness Info: Names and numbers if anyone saw the event; this supports your record of what to do after a car accident.
Exchange Information—Just the Essentials
You need enough to file a claim without oversharing.
- Collect/Share: Full name, phone/email, insurance company and policy number, license plate, driver’s license, vehicle make/model/colour.
- Photograph (With Consent): Insurance card and license—fewer typos, faster claims.
- Stick to Facts: Avoid theories about fault; your documentation is the backbone of what to do after a car accident.
What to Do After a Car Accident: Should You Call a Tow?
If the car isn’t safe to drive—airbags deployed, fluids leaking, wheels pushed back, lights inoperable—arrange a tow.
- You Choose the Destination: You are not required to accept the first suggested lot.
- Direct-to-Repair Saves Time: Tow directly to your chosen shop (Auto Stars Collision & Mechanic in Richmond Hill) to avoid storage fees and second tows.
- Get the Drop Card: Tow company name, lot address, and release process if the car must be stored overnight.
Insurance Calls and Claims—What to Do After a Car Accident with Your Policy
Prompt filing gets you into the repair queue faster.
- Notify Your Insurer Quickly: Share your photos, police report number (if any), and the repair facility you prefer.
- Estimate Reality: Photo estimates are a starting point; hidden damage is confirmed after a professional teardown.
- Rental Eligibility: Ask about coverage and daily limits; if another driver is at fault, their carrier may handle rentals.
- Deductibles & Subrogation: You may pay a deductible upfront; reimbursement can follow if liability shifts.
Hidden Damage You Can't See Curbside (And What to Do After a Car Accident About It)
Modern bumpers and covers mask structural parts, crash brackets, sensors, and alignment points. A low-speed hit can bend radiator supports, crush absorbers, or nudge suspension arms without obvious exterior clues. The safe version of what to do after a car accident includes a professional inspection—even if the car seems drivable—plus pre- and post-repair scans to verify safety systems.
Choosing a Repair Facility You Can Trust
Repairs should restore safety systems, alignment, and appearance—not just “look OK.”
- OEM Procedures & Proper Tools: Shops should follow manufacturer repair methods and use welders suited to modern steels and aluminum.
- Pre/Post Scans: Electronics require diagnostics before and after repairs to catch sensor faults.
- Repair Blueprinting: A structured teardown and parts plan up front reduces delays mid-repair.
- Proactive Communication: Agree on updates (e.g., twice weekly) so you’re never guessing.
- Local Accountability: Auto Stars Collision & Mechanic builds long-term trust in Richmond Hill by standing behind workmanship.
What to Do After a Car Accident: Repair Costs & Timeframes (They Vary)
No two estimates are identical, but ranges help planning:
- Cosmetic Bumper Corner (No Sensors): ~$350–$900, 1–3 days.
- Bumper with Sensors/Grilles: ~$900–$2,200, 3–7 days, allowing for calibrations.
- Fender + Headlamp, Minor Structure: ~$1,200–$3,500, 5–10 days.
- Suspension/Alignment Add-Ons: +$300–$1,200, 1–3 days depending on parts.
- Airbag/Module Work: Varies widely; extra time for programming and parts.
These are estimates, not promises. Final scope depends on parts availability, paint type, insurer approvals, and any hidden damage found during teardown—the practical reality of what to do after a car accident once repairs begin.
A 48-Hour Checklist: What to Do After a Car Accident, Simplified
A short plan keeps momentum without overwhelm.
- Day 0 (Scene): Ensure safety, take photos, exchange info, call police/911 as needed, arrange tow if undriveable.
- Day 1: Notify insurance, choose your repair shop, schedule estimate/inspection, and organize rental if eligible.
- Day 2: Approve estimate, confirm parts orders, set status-update cadence, and remove personal items from the vehicle.
Why Auto Stars Collision & Mechanic in Richmond Hill Is a Smart Local Choice
We combine careful diagnostics with clear explanations. Your estimate includes photos you can review on your phone, and we’ll translate each step—what we’re fixing, why it matters, and how it affects safety and value. Our team coordinates towing, blueprinting, structural measurement, paint matching, calibrations, and final scans in one place. It’s the organized version of what to do after a car accident—from first call to keys back in your hand.
Conclusion
Emergencies don’t reward improvisation. A clear plan does. When you know what to do after a car accident, you protect people first, preserve evidence second, and set up a smoother claim and repair. If you’ve just been in a collision—or want a shop saved in your contacts—reach out to Auto Stars Collision & Mechanic in Richmond Hill, Ontario. We’ll coordinate towing if needed, create a transparent estimate, and keep you updated until your vehicle is safely restored.
FAQs — What to Do After a Car Accident
Should I move my car or wait for the police?
If there are no serious injuries and vehicles are drivable, move to a safe location and turn on hazards to prevent secondary collisions. Photograph positions first if it’s safe—that’s a practical part of what to do after a car accident.
Do I have to use the body shop my insurer recommends?
No. You have the right to choose your repair facility. Tell your adjuster where the vehicle is going; we’ll provide the photos and documentation they need.
The other driver insists it was my fault. What should I say?
Stay courteous and factual. Exchange information, gather photos, and provide a statement to police and your insurer. Determining fault is not decided at the curb; it relies on reports, damage patterns, and traffic laws—core to what to do after a car accident.
Is my car safe to drive if the airbags didn't deploy?
Not always. Hidden structural or suspension damage can make a drivable car unsafe. Schedule an inspection and request pre-/post-repair scans.