Working Hours
  • Mon 8:00AM - 5:00PM
    Tue 8:00AM - 5:00PM
  • Wed 8:00AM - 5:00PM
    Thu 8:00AM - 5:00PM
  • Fri 8:00AM - 5:00PM
    Sat Closed
  • Sun Closed
Closed for lunch 12:30 - 1:30
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919-772-4727 | 2633 Benson Rd Garner, NC 27529

What to Do After a Car Accident

How to Appropriately Respond to a Car Accident

To ensure the safety of yourself and others. If you are involved in an accident, it is important to stay calm and assess the situation. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Even if there are no obvious injuries, it is important to seek medical attention to be checked out for any hidden injuries.

Ensure Safety First:

The immediate priority after an accident is safety. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location, turn on hazard lights, and check for injuries among yourself, passengers, and others involved. Call 911 for medical assistance if necessary.

Notify Law Enforcement:

Contact law enforcement as soon as possible. It's crucial to report the accident to the police as they will create an official accident report, which can be valuable for insurance claims and legal purposes later on.

Exchange Information:

Exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved in the accident. Gather names, phone numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance details. It would be ideal to be polite and cooperative during this process. Also, make sure to get information from any witnesses as well.

Document the Accident:

Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, license plates, road conditions, and traffic signs. This visual evidence can be essential for insurance claims. Write down details such as where the accident took place, what the weather was like, etc.

Seek Medical Attention:

Even if you don't feel injured immediately, it's advisable to seek medical attention. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away, and a medical evaluation can help in documenting any injuries related to the accident.

Notify Your Insurance Company:

Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with all the necessary details, including the other driver's information and the accident report number.

Avoid Placing Fault:

While it's essential to cooperate with the authorities and share information, avoid admitting fault or making accusations towards anyone involved. Fault determination is often handled by the insurance companies and legal processes.

Contact an Attorney:

If the accident involves significant injuries or complex liability issues, consider consulting an attorney experienced in personal injury cases. They can provide guidance on your legal rights and potential claims.

Keep Records:

Maintain detailed records of all accident-related expenses, such as medical bills, repair costs, and any missed workdays due to injuries. This documentation will be crucial for insurance claims and potential lawsuits.

Follow Up with Insurance:

Stay in communication with your insurance company throughout the claims process. Cooperate with their investigations, provide requested documents promptly, and keep track of claim progress.

Additional Notes:

When you're using a body shop to get repairs to your vehicle, be aware that the insurance company can recommend a shop, but you are under no legal obligation to use its services. You have the legal right to choose the shop to do your repairs.

Also be aware that insurance companies sometimes try to dictate what type of parts are used in a vehicle's repair. They might insist that a shop not use Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts, as they are more expensive.

What Our Customers Are Saying

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I had a fantastic experience at Larry Estes Body Shop! They recently repaired my bumper, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. From start to finish, the team was kind, professional, and very attentive to my needs. They kept me informed throughout the process and made everything feel smooth and stress-free. My car looks as good as new! I highly recommend them for anyone needing quality auto body repairs with top-notch customer service.

, 05/02/2025

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They did an amazing job repairing and repainting some bumper damage on my Rav. Friendly, professional, and reasonably priced.

, 04/24/2025

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Minimal communication was necessary and very quick turnaround. They have a drop box for your keys on Sundays and we were very surprised the vehicle was already available on Thursday because they had predicted 5-8 days. No nonsense with the insurance company either. Great job and highly recommend!

, 04/18/2025

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Everyone working here is fantastic. They are accommodating, pleasant to speak with, and do extremely good work. Can’t recommend them highly enough

, 04/16/2025

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These are wonderful folks to deal with. The repairs were done well, there was clear communication throughout the whole process, and they were very patient with my many questions. Highly recommend!

, 03/19/2025

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I highly recommend this body shop. My car recently got rear ended and needed repair. Mike was very nice and helpful throughout the process. He also kept me updated through the process. My car looks great now, and the small, local shop has a friendly staff that made everything easy. Great service!

, 03/18/2025

  • BBB Accredited Business
  • I-CAR
  • Autobody Alliance
  • NABC (National Auto Body Council)
  • Universal Calibration Services
  • Call Us For Service: 919-772-4727