What to Do After a Car Accident?

Two cars after a minor fender bender on a street in Upland, CA

Accidents on Upland-area roads — the 210, Foothill, Euclid, Mountain — follow the same script, and knowing your next five moves keeps a bad day from becoming an expensive month. This is the checklist we give our own families at Body Shop Upland, from the first minute at the scene through getting the car repaired.

1. Get Safe, Then Check on People

Move to a shoulder or parking lot if the cars can roll and it's safe to do so — a stopped car in a live lane on the 210 is more dangerous than the first crash. Hazards on, then check everyone for injuries and call 911 if there's any doubt. Property is replaceable.

2. Document Everything With Your Phone

Photograph both cars from multiple angles, close-ups of every damaged area, the other car's license plate, the street signs or landmarks, and any skid marks or debris. Get the other driver's name, phone, insurance company, and policy number. These five minutes of photos are what later prove the damage and the story.

3. Report the Accident

Notify your insurance company the same day, even if the other driver was at fault — your policy requires it, and a fast report protects you if the other party's story changes. In California, a crash with injuries or damage over $1,000 (which is almost any visible damage) must also be reported to the DMV on form SR-1 within ten days.

4. Choose Your Body Shop — It's Your Right

The insurer will suggest their "network" shop, but California law puts the choice of repair shop with you, not them. Pick the shop you trust, tell the adjuster its name, and the claim proceeds exactly the same way. We handle that adjuster relationship daily and explain how the money side works here.

5. Get the Damage Inspected Before You Judge It

Bumpers hide crushed absorbers; straight-looking cars hide bent structure. Before accepting any settlement number, have the car inspected by a shop that will do a real teardown — our estimate is free, and if the frame took the hit, our laser measurements document it for the claim. Call (909) 217-4482 and we'll take it from wherever you are in the process.