Getting sideswiped, or getting into an accident in general, is never a pleasant or stress-free experience. However, you can take certain steps to make the process as easy as possible. You should stay calm and take the necessary steps to address the issue at hand. Here, you can find the steps as to what to do if your mirror gets sideswiped. That way, you know what to do if it ever happens to you.
Assess the Damage
If the sideswipe occurs during a drive, maintain control of the vehicle. Next, you should pull over to a safe location and turn on your hazards to alert other drivers. Afterward, you need to assess the damage of the collision. Inspect the extent of the damage to the mirror and determine damage to other parts of your vehicle as well. It can also be helpful to determine if your car has been totaled or not in the event of a serious collision.
Gather Information
After you reach a safe place, take down the other driver’s contact information, insurance, and make, model, color, and license plate number. If they do not stop, do your best to identify these components as they drive off. If you can identify any witnesses around the scene, ask for their contact information in case you need their testimony later. However, do not put yourself at risk by trying to make other people stop in the process of trying to find witnesses.
Contact Authorities
If a sideswipe does occur on a public road and you have significant damage to your vehicle, call the police immediately to report the incident. Provide them with all the information you have from the previous step, including a description of the other vehicle and any witness statements. Follow any instructions they give you, as they give you, as they want to help.
Document the Scene
If you have not already, take photos of the damage to your mirror, or any other parts of your vehicle with damage. These photos will serve as evidence for insurance purposes, as well as documentation in the future, if necessary.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Notify your insurance company about the incident as soon as possible. Provide them with all the details, including the date, time, and location of the accident, as well as any information about the other vehicle. They will guide you through the claims process and provide further instructions.
Now that you know what to do if your mirror gets sideswiped, think about the auto body shop you will take your car to. You should think of the many considerations you must make before committing to a shop. Make sure to do your research beforehand. If you need a recommendation, M&G Body Shop provides quality service at affordable prices. Additionally, they will walk you through everything they do during the repair process. Reach out to us today and let us restore your vehicle back to its former glory.
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