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The minutes right after a crash are confusing. Your heart is pounding, you are checking if everyone is okay, and you are not thinking clearly about paperwork. That is normal. This is a simple checklist you can come back to so you know what matters and what can wait.
We see the aftermath of accidents every day at our Brentwood shop, and the customers who handle the first hour well tend to have the smoothest repairs. Here is what we tell our own family to do.
At the scene
Check for injuries first. People come before cars. If anyone is hurt, call 911. If you can, move vehicles out of traffic to a safer spot.
Call the police. A report creates an official record, which helps your insurance claim later. In a busy area like Contra Costa County, this also keeps the scene orderly.
Trade information. Get the other driver's name, phone number, insurance company, policy number, and license plate. Stay polite and stick to facts.
Take photos. Photograph every angle of both cars, the license plates, the street, and any damage. More photos are always better. These help us and your insurer see exactly what happened. What to Check.
In the first day or two
File your claim. Call your insurance company and report the accident. Write down your claim number. If you want, we can take it from there.
Get a free estimate. Bring the car to a body shop you trust. You do not have to wait for the insurance company to send you somewhere. In California you generally have the right to choose your own shop, which we explain in .
Do not ignore hidden damage. A car can look drivable and still have a bent part underneath or a cracked sensor. A quick inspection catches what the eye misses. See cosmetic versus structural damage for why this matters.
When the insurance offer feels off
Sometimes an insurance company undervalues a car or overestimates the repair to total it. One of our customers was rear ended in his Audi, and the insurer tried to total a car that was very much worth saving. We worked with him to get a realistic repair estimate, and he kept the clean title on his car. If something feels wrong, a second opinion from an independent shop is worth getting.
Let the shop carry the weight
You did not plan for this, and you should not have to become an expert overnight. When you bring your car to us, we open the claim, document the damage, order parts, and keep you updated the whole way. That is the heart of The Painless Collision Process. Your job is to get back to your life. Our job is the rest.
Frequently asked questions
Should I call the police even for a minor accident?
It is usually a good idea. A police report creates an official record that helps your insurance claim. For very minor incidents you can exchange information and photograph everything, but when in doubt, make the call.
How soon should I take my car to a body shop?
As soon as you safely can. An early free estimate catches hidden damage and gets the repair moving. You do not have to wait for the insurance company to direct you anywhere.
What information do I need from the other driver?
Their name, phone number, insurance company, policy number, and license plate. Take photos of their car and plate as well so nothing is missed.
What if the insurance company wants to total my car?
Get an independent estimate before you accept that. We have helped customers show that a car was worth repairing when an insurer first wanted to total it. Bring it in and we will give you an honest assessment.
Can you handle my claim for me?
Yes. We work with every insurance company and handle the back and forth on parts and supplements, so the claim stays painless on your end.
Next step
If you were just in an accident anywhere in Contra Costa County, start with a free estimate.
Call (925) 516-1930 or stop by 44 Sycamore Ave, Suite A in Brentwood. Estimates are free. Read about our what to do after an accident, how we work, or get directions and hours. We serve Brentwood, Oakley, Antioch, Discovery Bay and Byron.