Accidents Happen. Now what?
Rita Thomas, Halter's Body Shop • December 5, 2018
Critical tips for first steps after auto accident
Accidents happen, that's a fact. What happens next is important in making sure you are protected.
Naturally, if there are serious injuries, address those needs immediately. Call 911. Lives are way more important than property. The appropriate first responders will be dispatch including police, fire, ambulances, paramedics, and/or tow trucks. Let's hope you never face a situation so serious.
Many accidents leave the vehicle driving fine, but sporting a new black eye from the impact - not too pretty, but functional. When those incidents involve another vehicle, taking a few first critical steps can protect your pocket book and your investment. Perhaps you'll find the following tidbits of information helpful:
- Always call the police, no matter how minor the incident. A police report protects both parties from one or the other filing a false damage claim. In addition, the responsible insurance company may need this official documentation to process the claim. The report also documents the time of the incident, which can be important depending on what caused the accident.
- Take photos at the scene. These days, most cell phones have good camera features. Using it as a tool to document the incident is important. Take lots of photos - everything from the damage to all vehicles involved, overall impact angles, intersections, vehicle positions, etc.
- Exchanging insurance information at the scene is fine, but not necessary with a police report. The officer dispatched to the scene should document the necessary information from all other drivers involved.
- Be your own advocate. Contact your insurance as soon as possible to report the incident. Opening the claim does not mean your insurance has to pay the claim even if you are at fault. You maintain the option of paying out of pocket if that is your desire.
- Never drive a vehicle that could be unsafe because of damages. If it's questionable, just don't. A tow bill is a small price to pay for safety - and may be paid by the insurance company or roadside assistance, depending on your policy.
- Protect your investment and your safety by having your vehicle repaired professionally.
- Know your rights. As a vehicle owner, you have the right for your vehicle to be repaired by the body shop of your choice. It is illegal and unethical for an insurance representative to require or sway you to choose a body shop from their "approved" or "preferred" list of shops. If you are unsure the best shop to choose, ask around. Locals know. Halter's Body Shopis pleased to have a solid reputation for providing excellent quality and exceptional craftsmanship.We also provide a written warranty on the work we perform and will stand behind our work for as long as you own your vehicle, baring any dings and scratches or wear and tear from use, of course.
- Don't panic if there is a difference between insurance estimates and those written by the repair shop. A lower estimate may not include all necessary work. It is very common, and generally easily addressed with the insurance company at the time of repair. If you don't know why an estimate is different, please ask.
Why a Professional Inspection Matters—Even After a Minor Fender Bender At first glance, a small fender bender might not seem like a big deal. If there's no major dent, no shattered glass, and your vehicle still drives, it’s tempting to shrug it off and move on. But what you don’t see could cost you more down the road. Even low-speed collisions can cause hidden damage that isn't obvious until weeks—or even months—later. That’s why it's always smart to bring your vehicle in for a professional inspection after any accident, no matter how minor it seems. Here are some of the most common hidden damages we see at our shop: 🔧 1. Frame Misalignment You may not notice this just by looking at your car, but a slight impact can throw your vehicle’s frame out of alignment. Even small shifts can affect how your car handles, wears tires unevenly, and reduce safety in the event of another collision. Signs to watch for: Uneven tire wear Car pulls to one side Crooked steering wheel 🛞 2. Suspension Damage Your suspension system absorbs the force of bumps and turns—but it’s not invincible. Collisions can bend or break key suspension components like struts, shocks, or control arms. The result? A rougher ride, poor handling, and long-term wear on other parts of your vehicle. 🚪 3. Electrical System Issues Modern vehicles are full of sensors and wiring tucked behind bumpers and body panels. A light tap to your bumper can damage backup cameras, parking sensors, or even disable airbags—without you knowing. Fun fact: Some of these issues won’t trigger a dashboard warning until the system is actively needed—when it’s already too late. 🧠4. Hidden Bumper & Panel Cracks Most modern bumpers are designed to "bounce back" after an impact, making them look okay on the outside. But underneath, the foam, brackets, and mounts could be cracked or crushed—compromising protection in the next collision. 🔄 5. Alignment and Steering Problems A bent steering component may not affect your car immediately—but it can wear out quickly, cause handling issues, and lead to costly repairs later. These problems often show up days or weeks after the collision. 💥 Why You Shouldn’t Skip the Inspection A professional auto body shop doesn’t just look for dents and scrapes. We perform a full diagnostic check to uncover internal damage you can’t see. With frame measurement tools, suspension analysis, and computer scans, we can catch problems before they become dangerous or expensive. At Halters, we’ve seen it all—from minor bumper taps hiding frame damage to cosmetic scratches covering serious safety issues. Don’t take the risk. Even if your car "looks fine," let our team give it a proper once-over. Your safety—and your wallet—could depend on it.
Learn about an unexpected, out-of-pocket expense you may encounter during a collision repair.
