What to Do First After a Fender Bender
A simple post-accident checklist for safety, documentation, and repair planning.
Even a minor fender bender can be disorienting. The first steps are about safety, documentation, and getting the right information so the repair process can start smoothly.
Start with safety
Move to a safe location if possible, check for injuries, call emergency services if needed, and follow local requirements for reporting. Do not stand in traffic to inspect damage.
If the vehicle is not safe to drive, arrange towing instead of trying to make it home.
Document what you can
Take photos of vehicle damage, license plates, insurance information, the scene, and any relevant details. Save the claim number if insurance is opened.
Photos can help begin an online estimate, but the repair facility may still need in-person inspection or teardown to find hidden damage.
Contact a repair facility early
A collision shop can explain estimate options, appointment scheduling, insurance coordination, and what to expect next. Kniesel’s offers online quote and appointment paths to help customers get started.
Need help after a collision?
Kniesel’s Collision serves Northern California drivers through locations across the Sacramento region, Placer County, El Dorado County, and Yolo County. Start with an online quote, schedule an appointment, or contact the location nearest you for guidance on your repair.
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