What to Do After a Car Accident

Being involved in a car accident is stressful and overwhelming — even a minor fender bender can leave you unsure of what to do next. At Williams Paint & Body Shop in Marianna, FL, we help drivers through the post-accident process every day. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you stay safe, protected, and prepared after a collision.

1. Make Sure Everyone Is Safe

First, check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Safety should always come first.

If your vehicle is drivable, move it to a safe area off the road to avoid further damage or danger.

2. Call Local Law Enforcement

In Marianna and Jackson County, you should always contact law enforcement for an official accident report — even for minor accidents. This documentation is extremely helpful for insurance claims and protects you legally.

3. Exchange Information

Get the following from the other driver:

• Full name and contact information

• Insurance company and policy number

• Vehicle make, model, & tag number

• Driver’s license number

• Photos of their insurance card & license plate

Avoid discussing fault at the scene — that’s for insurance companies to determine.

4. Take Photos & Document the Damage

Use your phone to take clear pictures of:

• The damage to all vehicles

• The accident scene

• Road conditions or debris

• Any visible injuries

• Surrounding area (stop signs, intersections, etc.)

Good photos make the insurance process much easier.

5. Initiate Your Insurance Claim

Contact your insurance provider soon after the accident to report the claim. If you plan to have your repairs completed at Williams Paint & Body Shop, let your adjuster know — you have the right to choose your repair shop, regardless of what your insurance suggests.

We can communicate directly with your adjuster and help speed up the process.

6. Schedule a Repair Estimate

At Williams Paint & Body Shop, we provide complete collision repair estimates and assist you through the entire claims process. Our Gold Class® certified technicians will assess the damage, check for structural issues, and give you a detailed breakdown of the repairs needed.

To schedule an estimate, call us at 850-482-0332.

7. Choose a Trusted Local Collision Center

Choosing the right repair shop matters. Here's why drivers throughout Marianna and Jackson County trust Williams Paint & Body Shop:

• Gold Class® certified

• Family-owned and local

• Works with all major insurance companies

• Lifetime warranty on repairs

• Advanced diagnostic & repair equipment

• Clear communication throughout the process

We’re committed to getting you safely back on the road with quality repairs you can rely on.

8. Arrange Transportation If Needed

We can help coordinate rental cars through your insurance company as part of the repair process. Just let us know during your estimate, and we’ll assist with the setup.

Final Thoughts

Being in an accident is never easy, but you don’t have to go through the repair process alone. Williams Paint & Body Shop is here to guide you, answer questions, and provide high-quality repairs you can trust.

If you’ve recently been in an accident in Marianna or the surrounding areas, call us today at 850-482-0332 to schedule your estimate.