What to Do Immediately After a Fender Bender
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You’re driving like any other day. Then suddenly, it’s not. A small crash, maybe just a
dent, but now everything’s uncertain. What happens next? Who do you call? These questions show up fast. Knowing what to do after a fender bender helps you avoid added stress and take the right next step, calmly and confidently.
Stay Calm and Stay Safe
Right after a fender bender, adrenaline kicks in and instincts take over. Some people rush out of the car; others freeze. Either reaction is normal, but neither helps much. The first thing to do is pause. Take a breath. Look around.
Remaining calm keeps the situation from getting worse and helps you think clearly about what comes next. Avoid arguing, pointing blame, or making quick assumptions. Your safety and the safety of others come first, and that starts with staying focused.
If someone approaches you with emotion or frustration, stay respectful and direct. Keeping your cool creates space for better decisions. It helps settle the moment, especially if others are feeling shaken or unsure of what to do.
Move to a Safe Location and Check for Injuries
If your vehicle can still move, get it out of traffic. Pull into a nearby parking lot or onto the shoulder, away from moving cars. Turn on your hazard lights and, if you have them, set out cones or reflective markers. Staying visible and out of the way helps reduce the risk of a second accident.
Once you're in a safer spot, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Even a low-speed collision can cause whiplash or discomfort that shows up later. If anyone feels dizzy, disoriented, or in pain, call for medical help right away.
If injuries or major damage are involved, law enforcement may need to respond. Calling early gives you more clarity and documentation when it’s needed most.
Exchange Information the Right Way
Once everyone is safe, it’s time to gather the details. Start with the other driver’s name, phone number, address, license plate number, and insurance information. If there are any passengers or witnesses, ask for their names and contact info as well. Stay polite and focused. You don’t need to discuss what happened or assign blame. Keep the conversation simple and stick to collecting facts.
Here’s what to record before leaving the scene:
- Full name and phone number
- Address
- Driver’s license number
- License plate number
- Insurance company and policy number
- Vehicle make, model, and color
- Contact information for any passengers or witnesses
If police respond, ask how to get a copy of the accident report. That document can help during insurance or repair conversations.
Document the Damage Before You Leave
Use your phone to take clear photos of the scene. Start with wide shots that show both vehicles and their positions on the road or in the parking lot. Then take close-ups of any visible damage, including scratches, dents, broken lights, or deployed airbags. Snap a few pictures of the surrounding area, too, such as street signs, traffic signals, and road conditions.
Photograph the other vehicle’s license plate, as well as your own. If weather or lighting played a role, capture that as well. The goal is to create a full visual record of what happened.
Even in a minor fender bender, these images can help strengthen your insurance claim and guide the repair team once work begins.
Notify Your Insurance Company Promptly
Once you've documented the scene and gathered all the necessary information, contact your insurance company. Waiting too long can slow down the claims process or create confusion about what happened. Have your policy number, claim details, photos, and the other driver's information ready when you call.
The representative may ask questions about the accident, damage, and whether a police report was filed. Answer honestly and stick to the facts. If your policy includes rental coverage or towing, ask about next steps so you can stay mobile while your car is in the shop.
Reporting the fender bender quickly helps your insurer get the process started and makes it easier to schedule repairs without unnecessary delays.
Bring Your Vehicle to a Trusted Local Repair Shop
Once the claim is underway, it’s time to schedule repairs. Choosing a shop with experience, clear communication, and reliable workmanship matters more than speed alone. The right team will walk you through each step and make sure the work is done right the first time.
Why Choose Wrecktify After a Fender Bender
Wrecktify Collision has earned a strong reputation across New Glarus and the greater Madison area for thoughtful, high-quality repair work. From the moment you arrive, the process is clear and personal. You’ll meet with a body shop manager who explains what needs to be done, helps with your paperwork, and keeps you updated while your car is in the shop.
Every repair goes through a series of internal quality checks. Mechanical, structural, and cosmetic work is handled under one roof, so nothing gets missed. You’ll also receive a written lifetime guarantee for the work performed.
In addition to collision repair, Wrecktify is known for its expert classic car restoration work. That same attention to detail carries over to every vehicle, no matter the year or model. Our team approaches every repair with the same level of care, no matter if the damage is cosmetic or more involved, because getting your vehicle back to pre-accident condition should also bring back your peace of mind.
We Work with All Insurance Companies
Some insurance providers may suggest specific repair shops, but you have the right to choose where your vehicle is repaired. We work directly with all insurance carriers and help manage the process so you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Once you have a claim number, bring it in along with your vehicle. The team will take it from there by writing a detailed estimate, submitting documentation, and coordinating communication between you and your insurer. If your car isn’t drivable, Wrecktify can work with local towing companies to get it to the shop quickly. Need a rental? They’ve partnered with Hertz to help arrange one, often delivered right to the shop.
That kind of clarity and follow-through makes a stressful moment a little easier to handle.
Drive Away with Confidence
A fender bender may be minor, but the impact on your day, your plans, and your sense of control can feel much bigger. Getting your vehicle repaired is only part of the solution. What matters just as much is how you're treated throughout the process.
Drivers don’t have to guess what's next or worry about whom to trust. From first estimate to final polish, the process is clear and handled with care.
If you've been in an accident and need expert repairs backed by experience and local trust,
contact Wrecktify to get started.
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