As a driver, it’s helpful to know what to do in case of a fender bender. Keep reading this post by AMSOIL: Mooresville Synthetic Oil in Mooresville, NC, for five steps to follow in case you’re ever in one. 

What’s Considered a Fender Bender?

Fender benders are best described as a crash that causes minor damage because it happens at low speeds. They’re called fender benders because they usually only damage the car’s fender, but even if it’s minor damage, it can be annoying and cause delays to your day. With 1.7 million fender benders reported annually, it’s helpful that drivers know what to do if they’re ever in that situation. To keep in mind: Fender benders usually happen when a driver stops suddenly or when they back up from parking spaces.

Keeping your car in good condition, especially its brakes is a great way to prevent being in a fender bender. For advice on what products are best for your vehicle, call Mooresville Synthetic Oil at (336) 247-0212 today or visit their website to place an order anytime.

5 Steps to Follow in Case You’re in a Fender Bender

Stop and Assess

After being in a fender bender, the first step is to stop your vehicle and assess your condition and your passenger’s condition. If you’re in a low transit area and feel it’s safe to get out of your car, do so and assess the damage. If you’re in a high-traffic area, it’s best to wait for the police or emergency services to arrive to avoid putting yourself in danger. It’s essential to keep yourself safe at all times.

Call 911

Even if everyone is fine, it’s still important to call the police to have a neutral third party present when talking to the other driver. During a car crash, emotions tend to run high, so make sure to protect yourself with the presence of a police officer. In this case, the police officer’s job will be to take statements and collect evidence to write up a police report. This police report will come in handy when making a claim with your insurance company. When talking to the police officer, stick to the facts of the crash so they can put together a clear report of the accident. Once the police officer has taken everyone’s statements and collected evidence, ask them for the number of the report so that you can follow up with it at the police station. It’s also helpful to know the police officer’s name and badge number. The report usually takes a couple of days to be ready.

For advice on the best products for your car, like AMSOIL’s DOT 3 and DOT 4 Synthetic Brake Fluid, call Mooresville Synthetic Oil at (336) 247-0212, and one of their oil experts will be happy to assist you. If you’re ready to place an order, visit AMSOIL’s online shop and place your order 24/7.

Take Pictures and Video

It might take a minute for emergency services to arrive at the crash site. While you wait, and only if you feel safe to do so, take pictures and video of the crash scene. These pictures and videos can be helpful when talking to the police and your insurance company. Document the whole scene, including your car’s damage and the other driver’s damage. If there’s any damage in the surrounding area, document that too. Additional to the damage, take pictures and notes of the weather and road conditions. Once you’ve sufficiently documented the scene, and only if possible, move the cars out of the way to avoid causing a traffic jam.

Exchange Information

Another essential aspect when dealing with a fender bender is to exchange information with the other driver. The information you should ask for is:

• Name
• Address
• Birthdate
• License number and expiration date
• Address
• Phone number
• Insurance company
• License plate number

You should also write down a description of their vehicle and try to find witnesses to the accident, and see if they’re willing to provide a statement when you file your insurance claim.

Give Your Insurance Company a Call

The last step in this process is to contact your insurance company. Even if the crash wasn’t your fault, you should still do so as soon as possible. Your insurance company will ask for information about the collision; they’ll ask for the police report and any additional evidence that you collected at the scene. Once you’re speaking with your insurance company, double-check what repairs they’ll cover and how much deductible you’ll need to pay for them to do so.

Use the best products for your car’s maintenance. Call Mooresville Synthetic Oil today at (336) 247-0212 to speak with one of their oil experts or visit their website to place an order anytime!