Young adults are the age group that's most likely to be involved in a collision. In fact, according to the United States Centers for Disease Control, drivers who are between 16 and 19 years old are the most prone to auto accidents. The potential for auto accidents occurring at almost any time makes it important to have the information of a dependable auto body repair shop on hand. An auto body repair shop is a great resource for drivers, as they hire experts who understand how to restore and repair a vehicle after it has suffered major damages. This article will take a closer look at seven things you should do following a car collision.

1. Assess the Damage

After you've been involved in an accident, if you have sustained no serious injuries, the first thing you should do is assess the damage to your vehicle. Try to take photos of the damage and write down any parts you feel may have been impacted. The more photos you're able to take from all around the vehicle, the easier it will be for the technicians to understand the problems it's experiencing. This will help to expedite the repair process once you've contacted an auto body repair shop in your area because you will be able to provide them with a clearer understanding of what needs to be done. Be sure to work with a local shop to ensure that your vehicle's needs will be a priority and that you can work with a repair team that will provide you with a clear line of communication.

2. Schedule a Free Estimate

If you haven't worked with an auto repair shop in your area before, take the time to schedule a free estimate. These estimates are a great way to talk with the technicians and make them aware of everything that occurred during the accident as well as how the vehicle has been operating after the accident. They're also a great way for the shops to fully examine your vehicle and give you an accurate assessment of the potential cost and timeline for their services. Be sure to have this done with a few different shops in your area, so you can be confident that you're receiving a fair rate. Some companies may even be able to offer virtual estimates so you won't have to drive your vehicle around to learn what it'll take to get it fully operational.

3. Have the Entire Vehicle Checked

While an initial estimate may provide you with some understanding of the amount of damage your vehicle sustained and what needs to be addressed, it's important to have the experts inspect the entire vehicle. The internal parts and components may have been damaged or dislodged as a result of the collision. These issues can significantly impact the functionality of the vehicle and may even make it unsafe to drive. Take your vehicle to a garage with a good understanding of comprehensive auto body repair services to ensure that any and all issues it's experiencing can be properly addressed. To guarantee you're receiving the highest quality of care possible, work with a repair shop that only employs certified technicians. You should only trust your vehicle in the hands of professionals.

4. Learn About the Possible Repair Processes

When your vehicle has been severely damaged, it's essential that you work with an auto body repair show that is equipped to handle a wide variety of repair tasks. In addition to structural and part repairs, your vehicle suspension may need work, metal may need to be straightened, and some pieces may even need to be welded. These problems, when ignored, will drastically impact your ability to properly operate your vehicle and may even prevent you from being able to legally return to the road. If you want your vehicle repaired to like new condition, take the time to inquire about these services and learn more about the impact they may have on your vehicle. When you're looking to have these repairs handled, work with a certified I-Car shop because this will allow you to have the peace of mind of knowing that your vehicle is in dependable hands.

5. Ask About Refinishing Services

While repairs are necessary in order to keep your vehicle optimally functioning, refinishing services can help to address aesthetic problems. After a crash, your vehicle will most likely have chips in the paint and scratches, which can be unattractive and may impact the vehicle's overall appearance greatly. Refinishing services can restore the beauty of your vehicle and make it look as good as the day you purchased it. This project should not be attempted by just any garage as some don't have the necessary tools or knowledge to get the job done right. To be certain that these services will be of the highest quality, be sure to work with an auto body repair show that has color-matching technology and the experience to make your vehicle stunning.

6. Prepare for the Reassembly Process

Once the experts at your local repair shop have finished their work, they will then begin the reassembly process. This is where all the important and possibly new parts are returned to the vehicle. Here, the technicians will put everything back together so it can be prepared for you to take it back out on the open road. It's important to understand that this process will not be able to begin until every issue is addressed because if there are any problems still present your vehicle may not function at all. Work with a local repair shop where customer satisfaction is guaranteed, so you can be confident that your vehicle will be ready for the reassembly process and it won't leave the garage until its condition is properly restored.

7. Request a Final Inspection

After your vehicle has been involved in a collision, many lights may appear that indicate issues your car is experiencing. After the repairs have been completed and your vehicle has been assembled, these lights may still be on. This could indicate a potential problem with the vehicle's electrical wiring or other electrical parts that may prevent your vehicle from passing inspection. A final inspection allows the auto body repair experts to see if any of these issues are present, so they can be handled prior to your return to pick up your car from the shop. Contact a shop that will offer to take it for a test drive after this inspection has been completed to guarantee you won't run into any problems while you're back on the road.

After you've been involved in a collision, it's vital that you take the time to begin the process of working with a local auto body repair shop. Issues with your vehicle, if left unaddressed, can quickly grow into larger and more costly problems. To prevent any additional headaches during this already stress-filled moment in your life, find an expert to perform the repairs your vehicle needs. If you're looking for a repair shop that you can rely on, call City Side Auto Body today. Our experts are certified and have the knowledge necessary to restore your vehicle and get you back on the road.