- Mon 7:30AM - 5:30PM
- Fri 7:30AM - 5:30PM
- Tue 7:30AM - 5:30PM
- Sat Closed
- Wed 7:30AM - 5:30PM
- Sun Closed
- Thu 7:30AM - 5:30PM
What to Do After a Car Accident
How to Appropriately Respond to a Car Accident
To ensure the safety of yourself and others. If you are involved in an accident, it is important to stay calm and assess the situation. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Even if there are no obvious injuries, it is important to seek medical attention to be checked out for any hidden injuries.
Ensure Safety First:
The immediate priority after an accident is safety. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location, turn on hazard lights, and check for injuries among yourself, passengers, and others involved. Call 911 for medical assistance if necessary.
Notify Law Enforcement:
Contact law enforcement as soon as possible. It's crucial to report the accident to the police as they will create an official accident report, which can be valuable for insurance claims and legal purposes later on.
Exchange Information:
Exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved in the accident. Gather names, phone numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance details. It would be ideal to be polite and cooperative during this process. Also, make sure to get information from any witnesses as well.
Document the Accident:
Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, license plates, road conditions, and traffic signs. This visual evidence can be essential for insurance claims. Write down details such as where the accident took place, what the weather was like, etc.
Seek Medical Attention:
Even if you don't feel injured immediately, it's advisable to seek medical attention. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away, and a medical evaluation can help in documenting any injuries related to the accident.
Notify Your Insurance Company:
Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with all the necessary details, including the other driver's information and the accident report number.
Avoid Placing Fault:
While it's essential to cooperate with the authorities and share information, avoid admitting fault or making accusations towards anyone involved. Fault determination is often handled by the insurance companies and legal processes.
Contact an Attorney:
If the accident involves significant injuries or complex liability issues, consider consulting an attorney experienced in personal injury cases. They can provide guidance on your legal rights and potential claims.
Keep Records:
Maintain detailed records of all accident-related expenses, such as medical bills, repair costs, and any missed workdays due to injuries. This documentation will be crucial for insurance claims and potential lawsuits.
Follow Up with Insurance:
Stay in communication with your insurance company throughout the claims process. Cooperate with their investigations, provide requested documents promptly, and keep track of claim progress.
Additional Notes:
When you're using a body shop to get repairs to your vehicle, be aware that the insurance company can recommend a shop, but you are under no legal obligation to use its services. You have the legal right to choose the shop to do your repairs.
Also be aware that insurance companies sometimes try to dictate what type of parts are used in a vehicle's repair. They might insist that a shop not use Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts, as they are more expensive.
What People Say About Us
-
Devin Schweikart, 07 July 2026
Mission Village Auto Care has earned a customer for life!! I previously left a review after they repaired a van we purchased for my father-in-law, but I wanted to update it because they've continued to exceed every expectation. Unfortunately, within about 700 miles of buying the van, the engine completely failed. It was a major repair that no one could have anticipated. At the time, the van was in Fresno, but because of the trust Marvin and his team had already built with us, we made the decision to have it trailered all the way back to San Diego so Mission Village Auto Care could handle the repair. That alone says everything about the confidence we have in them. Replacing an engine is a significant investment, so we got quotes from several other shops before making a decision. Even though it was a costly repair, we still chose Mission Village Auto Care because of their honesty, transparency, and the confidence they gave us throughout the entire process. Marvin kept us informed every step of the way, explained everything clearly, and never tried to sell us anything we didn't need. They replaced the engine, took care of several other items while everything was apart, and made sure the van was repaired the right way. Since getting it back, it has been running flawlessly without a single issue. Finding an honest, trustworthy mechanic is incredibly difficult, but Marvin and his entire team have consistently proven they put their customers first. The quality of their work, their communication, and their integrity are second to none. If you're looking for a shop you can genuinely trust with your vehicle, I can't recommend Mission Village Auto Care highly enough. -
Michael Hernandez, 06 July 2026
I don’t leave reviews very often but I have to for these guys. They went above and beyond to give me exactly what I asked for. Would definitely recommend to check these guys out. Prices were fair and work was done in a reasonable amount of time.
-
Joe Corzo - SolarQuest, 18 June 2026
Had an issue that started at Discount Tire (highly recommended) and was sent to MVA. Great guys, they took good care of me and had me rolling in less than an hour. Good experience, ask for Marvin. -
Eritrea, 03 June 2026
Brought my '97 4Runner in for suspension work, ball joints, and an alignment, and couldn't be happier with the experience. They were straightforward about what needed to be done, kept me updated throughout the process, and never tried to upsell me on anything unnecessary. The truck drives noticeably better now, and it's clear they take pride in their work. Honest, professional, and fair pricing—exactly what you hope for in a mechanic. I'll definitely be back for future work and would recommend them to anyone looking for a shop they can trust.
-
-
Devin Schweikart, 14 April 2026
I honestly cannot recommend Mission Village Auto Care enough. We had purchased a van for my father-in-law that needed some work done and from beginning to end their service was phenomenal. They did a full tune up, rear shocks, transmission service, axle/wheel bearing replacement and anything else that the van needed. You can tell they took care of everything. It drives and runs so much better! Not only was their work amazing but they were so honest and upfront about everything. No hidden charges or charging you for extra things they “found.” Everything was straightforward and communicated with me along the way. They kept me updated every step of the process which allowed me to trust that they were doing everything they said they would. You can’t find that kind of trust with just any shop. I will be taking my car there from now on and if you want the best quality, honest service around, Mission Village is your place.
Call us for service: 619-280-2354
