Getting into a car accident is one of the most stressful experiences you can have as a driver. Your heart is racing, adrenaline is pumping, and it can be hard to think clearly about what you should do next. That is exactly why having a plan matters. Knowing the right steps to take after a collision can protect your safety, preserve your legal rights, and ensure your insurance claim goes smoothly.
At Bob Rohrman Collision Repair Center in Lafayette, Indiana, we have helped thousands of drivers navigate the aftermath of accidents over our 50-plus years in business. Here is the complete, step-by-step guide we recommend to every driver.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Check for Injuries
The very first thing you need to do after a collision is take a breath and assess the situation. Check yourself for injuries, then check on your passengers. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, it is important to note them because some symptoms like whiplash, concussion, or soft tissue damage may not appear until hours or even days later.
Do not try to move anyone who appears seriously injured unless they are in immediate danger, such as a vehicle fire. Wait for emergency responders to arrive.
Step 2: Move to Safety If Possible
If the accident is minor and your vehicle is still drivable, move it to the shoulder of the road or a nearby parking lot to avoid blocking traffic and preventing secondary accidents. Turn on your hazard lights right away. If you have road flares or reflective triangles in your emergency kit, set them up to warn other drivers.
If your car cannot be moved, stay inside with your seatbelt on until help arrives, especially if you are on a highway or busy road. Standing outside a disabled vehicle on a fast-moving road is one of the most dangerous things you can do after an accident.
Step 3: Call the Police
Always call the police after an accident, even if it seems minor. A police report creates an official record of the incident that will be critical for your insurance claim. In Indiana, you are required to report any accident that results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000.
When the officer arrives, provide factual information about what happened. Stick to the facts and avoid speculating about who was at fault or apologizing, as these statements can be used against you later. Ask for the officer's name, badge number, and the report number so you can obtain a copy of the report later.
Step 4: Exchange Information
Collect the following information from all other drivers involved in the accident:
- Full name, phone number, and address
- Driver's license number and state
- Insurance company name and policy number
- Vehicle make, model, year, and color
- License plate number
If there are witnesses, politely ask for their contact information as well. Witness accounts can be invaluable if there is a dispute about how the accident happened.
Step 5: Document Everything with Photos
Your smartphone is one of the most powerful tools you have after an accident. Take photos and videos of everything:
- All damage to every vehicle involved, from multiple angles
- The overall accident scene, including the positions of the vehicles
- Skid marks, debris, road conditions, and traffic signs or signals
- Any visible injuries
- The other driver's license plate, insurance card, and driver's license
- Weather and lighting conditions
The more documentation you have, the stronger your position will be when filing your claim. These photos will also be helpful when you bring your vehicle in for repair.
Step 6: Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine at the scene, see a doctor within 24 to 48 hours of the accident. As mentioned earlier, many common accident injuries do not produce symptoms immediately. A medical evaluation creates a record that links any injuries directly to the accident, which is essential for insurance and legal purposes.
Common delayed-onset injuries after car accidents include:
- Whiplash and neck pain
- Back and spinal injuries
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Soft tissue injuries that cause swelling and stiffness
Step 7: Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. Most policies require prompt notification, and delays can sometimes complicate your claim. Provide the facts of the accident and the police report number. Your insurer will assign a claims adjuster who will guide you through the next steps.
Be honest and thorough when speaking with your insurance company, but avoid recorded statements to the other driver's insurer without consulting your own agent first.
Step 8: Choose a Trusted Collision Repair Shop
This is where many drivers make a critical mistake. Your insurance company may suggest or recommend a particular repair shop, but in Indiana, you have the legal right to choose any shop you want. Do not let anyone pressure you into using a shop you are not comfortable with.
When choosing a collision repair center, look for:
- I-CAR Gold Class certification — only about 10 percent of shops in the country earn this distinction
- Manufacturer certifications such as Honda/Acura ProFirst, which means the shop is trained and equipped to repair your specific vehicle correctly
- A strong warranty — reputable shops stand behind their work with a lifetime guarantee
- Positive reviews from real customers
- Experience — how long has the shop been serving the community?
Bob Rohrman Collision Repair Center checks every one of these boxes. We are I-CAR Gold Class certified, Acura-Honda ProFirst certified, and we back every repair with a lifetime warranty. We have been serving Lafayette and the greater Tippecanoe County, Indiana area for over 50 years.
Step 9: Get a Repair Estimate
Before any work begins, you will need a repair estimate. Many shops require you to bring your car in during business hours for an in-person inspection. At Bob Rohrman Collision Repair Center, we make it easier with our 24/7 online photo estimate tool. You can submit photos of your damage from your phone at any time of day or night and receive a professional estimate without having to take time off work or rearrange your schedule.
Step 10: Keep Records of Everything
From the moment of the accident through the completion of your repairs, keep a file with all related documents. This includes the police report, medical records and bills, correspondence with your insurance company, the repair estimate, and receipts for any related expenses like rental cars or towing.
Having organized records makes the entire process smoother and ensures you do not miss any reimbursements you are entitled to.
You Do Not Have to Navigate This Alone
Dealing with a car accident is overwhelming, but you do not have to figure it out by yourself. The team at Bob Rohrman Collision Repair Center in Lafayette, Indiana is here to help you through every step of the repair process. We work with all insurance companies, and our experienced staff will help you understand your options and get your vehicle restored to pre-accident condition.
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Ready to get started? Serving Lafayette, West Lafayette, and all of Tippecanoe County, Indiana. Submit a free 24/7 photo estimate right now, or book an appointment online. You can also call us at (765) 448-1100. We are located at 3400 National Drive, Lafayette, IN 47905.