Accident Tips

What to Do After an Accident

Accidents are stressful. The steps you take in the hours following one can affect your safety, your insurance claim, and your vehicle’s repair outcome. Use this checklist to make smart choices and protect yourself—and your car.

1. Prioritize Safety

Move to a safe spot if possible, turn on hazard lights, and use cones or warning triangles to alert others.

Check for injuries—first for you and your passengers, then for others involved. Call 911 if anyone is hurt.

Stay calm, stay in your vehicle (if it’s safer), and avoid escalating the situation.

2. Call the Authorities & Document the Scene

Even for minor collisions, request a police report — it helps with insurance and legal clarity.

Take clear photos of all vehicles involved, license plates, road conditions, surrounding area, and any visible damage.

Make note of:

• Names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license and insurance info of all parties
• Make, model, color of vehicles involved
• Witness contact info, if available
• Time, date, exact location, and weather/road conditions

3. Limit What You Say

When speaking with the other driver(s) or law enforcement, stick to the facts—avoid admitting fault or speculating.

Be polite and cooperative, but don’t offer more information than necessary.

4. Contact Your Insurance Wisely

Report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible.

Provide them with the information and documentation you collected.

Remember: You have the right to choose your repair shop — you’re not obligated to use one your insurance suggests.

5. Choose Your Repair Facility (Think Red McCombs)

You deserve repair quality, trust, and transparency. At Red McCombs Collision Centers, we restore your car with genuine parts and factory repair standards.

Let us coordinate with your insurance and streamline the repair process for you.

We also offer towing coordination, loaner vehicles, and comprehensive estimates.

6. Stay Organized & Follow Up

Keep copies of your police report, insurance correspondence, repair estimates, and photos in a dedicated file.

Stay in contact with your estimator at Red McCombs — ask for progress updates and clarify any questions immediately.

Inspect your car carefully upon pickup. Check that repairs look seamless, all functions work (lights, sensors, alignment), and that nothing was missed.

Need help now?

Whether you’re dealing with a minor dent or a major collision, Red McCombs is here for San Antonio drivers when it matters most.

Schedule Your Collision Estimate