When you first get your driver's license, you might be understandably frightened and concerned about getting into a car accident at some point in your driving career. Accidents do happen, and it is important to know what to do if you are in an accident. That way, you can be sure that you handle the situation as well as possible and you can get your car back into driving condition as soon as possible. 

Call the Police

First and foremost, when you have been in a car accident, it is important to call the police. The accident needs to be reported to the authorities, and contacting 911 will also get emergency medical care to the scene right away in case someone is injured. 

Take Photos and Notes

Once you have contacted the authorities and they arrive on the scene, you will want to pay close attention to what is said and to the scene in general. Take photos of your vehicle as well as of the other vehicles involved in the accident. Take notes (written on paper or on your phone) about what is going on. And be sure you get the case number for the police report as well as the insurance and contact information for the other drivers involved in the accident. 

Consider Contacting Your Insurance Company

In order to get your car fixed as soon as possible, you may need to contact your insurance company after your accident. Sometimes, however, an accident causes such minor damage to a vehicle that you will not necessarily need to contact your insurance company.

Simple dents or bodywork may cost less than your deductible on your insurance policy, which would mean you would be paying for your auto body repair services out-of-pocket anyway. And, if you report the accident to your insurance company, you might end up paying for those repairs and having your insurance premium rates go up. 

However, in a major accident, whether you are at fault or not, you absolutely should contact your insurance agent. They can process a claim and get you funds to help you pay for repairs to your car. 

Schedule Your Repairs

You should not put off repairs to your vehicle any longer than necessary, and you definitely should not skip out on repairs entirely. Even if the damage to your car is only body damage that does not affect its functionality, leaving it without repairs could cause you more problems in the long run. Body damage can lead to rust, which can spread and cause further damage your car. 

Get your auto body repairs and other repairs done right away, and you will save yourself time, money, and frustrations in the long run. 

If you find yourself in an accident or if you need more information, contact a company like AutoSport Collision Repair.