POST ACCIDENT STEPS

POST-ACCIDENT AUTO REPAIR STEPS

What Should You do When You've Been in an Accident?

After you have been involved in an accident, the trauma and stress can affect your reasoning and logic. Right after an accident you may not be in the best position to know your rights and assert them. That is why some insurance companies send a "claims specialist" right to the scene of the accident. The insurer, tow truck operator, body shop, and yourself all have individual interests in your damaged car which may or may not be evident at the time.

The first thing you can do to protect yourself and assert your rights is to collect as much information as you can at the scene of the accident. If possible, take a few pictures. ALWAYS file a police report and exchange information with the other drivers for YOUR records. Do not rely on the police for this. You have a right to collect this information yourself.

The next important item is to remember NOT to sign anything! The only exception would be a traffic citation if required to do so by law.

If you know a collision facility that you feel comfortable with, have the vehicle towed to that location. Do NOT allow anyone to persuade you to take it to a shop you are not familiar with. If you have no preference, have it taken to the tow lot of the tow truck operator, or the nearest dealership for safekeeping until you can make an educated decision regarding who will repair the vehicle and what exact repairs you will authorize.

Insured or Claimant?

The next order of business is to educate yourself as to the legal and contractual relationships which are present. If the accident was your fault, or there were no other drivers or vehicles involved, you are a FIRST PARTY or an INSURED.

If you had been struck by someone else, then you would be considered a THIRD PARTY or a CLAIMANT. However, you still maintain rights under your own insurance policy as a FIRST PARTY.

Each scenario involves different aspects of law and policy language. Understanding these issues can make all the difference in the world when working to recover your losses.

NOTICE: All "third parties" or "claimants" are also first party insureds under your own contract of insurance. You have numerous rights under BOTH headings and should exercise those rights to your advantage.

Adapted from WreckCheck

You won't find a better collision center in Baton Rouge. I highly recommend their services. Top notch care and service.

Mark B.

Their customer service was outstanding. They kept me up to date on my repairs as well. They were willing to stay after hours on a Friday so I could get my vehicle.

Robert W.

The help I received from the team at Medine’s was invaluable. They went the extra mile to ensure the insurance company treated me fairly and that my vehicle was repaired back to 100%

Jason M.

I've had multiple vehicles repaired here and can say they are definitely top notch. Medine's worked with State Farm and got all the re-repair work paid for. Excellent work..

Sean S.

Medine’s is the BEST!! Everyone was very kind, helpful and answered ALL my questions. Thank you, Medine’s for making my experience painless! I’ve told all my friends and family to go see y’all!!

Tiffany B.

Medine's is always so helpful and pleasant! Unfortunately my car was deemed totaled by the insurance company but I would absolutely recommend Medine's on their customer service alone.