Checklist: What to Do Right After an Accident from Red McCombs Superior Body Shop

Getting into a car accident – no matter how minor or serious – can leave you feeling rattled, overwhelmed, and unsure of what to do next. That’s why Red McCombs Superior Body Shop in San Antonio, TX, created this detailed step-by-step checklist for what to do after you’ve been in a car accident. Whether you're dealing with a fender bender in Alamo Heights or a highway collision on Loop 410, this guide will walk you through the essential things to do after the accident, how to protect yourself legally and financially, and how to get your vehicle back to pre-accident condition – fast.

Immediate Steps to Take at the Scene

Check for Injuries and Move to Safety

Before anything else, make sure everyone in your vehicle is okay. If anyone is injured, call 911 right away. If the accident is minor and the vehicles are drivable, move them to a safe spot off the road to avoid further damage or a secondary collision.

• Turn on Hazard Lights
• Use Road Flares or Cones if Available
• Stay Calm and Avoid Arguing with Other Drivers

Call the Authorities

Even for minor collisions, calling the police is always a good move. They’ll draw up an official report, which can be helpful when it comes to insurance claims and repairs. While police may not respond to all fender benders, you are still responsible for filing a report online if need be. Once the report has been filed, ask for a copy.

Document the Scene Thoroughly

This is one of the most essential things to do after an accident in San Antonio, TX. Use your phone to capture:

• Wide Shots of the Scene
• Close-Ups of all Vehicles Involved (focus on damage)
• Traffic Signs, Skid Marks, Road Conditions
• License Plates and VINs

Also jot down:

• Date and Time
• Weather and Lighting
• Direction of Travel for all Vehicles

Exchange Information

Collect and provide the following:

• Full Name and Contact Info
• Insurance Company and Policy Number
• Driver’s License and License Plate Number
• Vehicle Make, Model, and Color
• Names and Contact Info for any Passengers or Witnesses

Avoid discussing fault at the scene.

File an Accident Report (If Required)

In Texas, you must report a crash to TxDOT if it causes injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage and and no police officer investigates the scene. You can file this report via the CR-2 form, also known as the “Blue Form.”

After Leaving the Scene

Once you’ve taken care of the immediate steps, these are what follow.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine, injuries like whiplash or concussions may not show symptoms right away. Visit a doctor as soon as possible for a check-up. This also provides medical documentation if you need to file an injury claim.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurance provider promptly. Be honest, and stick to the facts. Provide:

• Your Documentation
• Police Report (if available)
• Medical Records (if applicable)

Ask about coverage for towing, rental cars, and repairs.

Choose a Trusted San Antonio Body Shop

Don’t just go with the insurance company’s recommendation. You have the right to choose where your vehicle gets repaired. That’s where Red McCombs Superior Body Shop comes in.

As a GM-certified collision repair center in San Antonio, TX, we work with most major insurance companies and use factory-approved parts and repair techniques. We also help you with:

• Accurate Estimates
• Coordinating with Your Insurer
• Lifetime Workmanship Warranty

Give us a call for everything you need to start the repair process confidently.

Bonus: How to Handle a Minor Accident on San Antonio Roads

If you’re dealing with a simple fender bender:

• Check for injuries and move to safety.
• Exchange info and snap photos.
• File an online crash report if needed.
• Notify your insurer within 24–48 hours.
• Bring your vehicle to Red McCombs Superior Body Shop for an inspection – even if the damage looks minor.

Need Repairs? Start Here with Red McCombs Superior Body Shop.

If you’ve just been in an accident and need repairs, call or stop by Red McCombs Superior Body Shop in San Antonio, TX. We’ll get you back on the road with peace of mind and top-tier service. Accidents can be scary. We’re here to partner with you to come out on the other side good as new.

Disclaimer: This content was drafted with AI assistance for initial drafting, reviewed by a subject-matter expert for accuracy, and edited by our team of writers and editors.