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  • Mon 7:30AM - 6:00PM
    Tue 7:30AM - 6:00PM
  • Wed 7:30AM - 6:00PM
    Thu 7:30AM - 6:00PM
  • Fri 7:30AM - 6:00PM
    Sat Closed
  • Sun Closed
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443-837-0700 | 181 Defense Highway Annapolis, MD 21401

WHEN ACCIDENTS HAPPEN

How to Respond in a Tough Situation

Being in a car accident is the last thing anyone wants - but when it does happen, there are ways of making sure that the legal and insurance issues are handled with as little stress as possible.

  • First of all - stay calm.
  • If someone is injured, be sure to call for medical help.
  • Make sure you call the police.
  • Don't publicly make any statements where you either accuse the other person of causing the accident or take all the blame yourself. It could open you up to legal problems.
  • Whatever you do, don't leave the scene until you've had a chance to talk with the officer and you've gotten their name. It's important to make sure that your side of the story goes on the record. Afterward, it's a good idea to get a copy of the police report.
  • Make sure you have a pre-printed copy of your insurance information in the glove compartment, along with a camera you can use to provide pictures for the insurance company. A disposable camera with a flash for nighttime or interior shooting is usually best for this.
  • In dealing with the other driver, make sure you get their name, address, driver's license number and insurance information - and that they get the same information from you.
  • Also, make sure to get information from any witnesses as well.
  • Make sure you get pictures of any physical evidence of what could have caused the accident.
  • Write down pertinent details such as where the accident took place, what the weather was like, etc.
  • Once the information's exchanged, report the accident to the insurance company immediately, even if it's not your fault.
  • Make sure you understand how you're covered, and don't be afraid to ask the insurance company to explain the conditions of your coverage and payments.
  • Don't be afraid to seek legal advice - and don't sign anything if you don't understand it.
  • 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.

    You have a right to know what kind of parts are being used on your vehicle, and to know if your insurance policy dictates what kind of parts can be used in your car. If your policy lets you choose, you have the right to decide for yourself.
  • An insurance company also has the right to inspect your vehicle, but it is not required to do so. In addition, they cannot require you to visit one of their own claim centers.
  • And finally: Make sure you learn from this accident, but also let yourself move on from what happened. Everyone has an accident once in a while - it's just something that happens.

Remember - Drive Safely!

Want more information on your rights? To make an appointment, call us at 443-837-0700 or make an appointment online!


What Our Customers Are Saying

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Always excellent service at Criswell. One of the best Audi certified centers in the area. Kurt did an awesome job of communicating and following up with me in regards to my repairs (even better than my own insurance!). Quick turnaround time. I highly recommend them!

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Kurt Thompson helped my husband and I with our A4. Very Polite courteous and professional. If you ever need any body work done, I recommend you see him.

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We recently took our new car to Criswell Collision after a head on collision with extensive damage. Kurt and his crew not only repaired the damage but improved the molding, door and trim gaps to better than the factory original. The paint was blended perfectly with the factory finish. Kurt somehow found a way to get factory parts when my insurance company wanted him to use recycled parts. I wouldn't take my car anywhere else in the future [hopefully never].

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My brand-new Audi Q5 had a small factory imperfection on the rear bumper that required the bumper to be removed, a small area repainted, and the entire bumper clear coated. Criswell Collision did an outstanding job. Vehicle was returned as promised. Many thanks to Kurt Thompson and his staff for a job well done.

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I had a terrific experience with Kurt Very professional and delivered the car early I had to turn in my leased car by the end of the month. Kurt said he would try and entire experience was superb

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Very simple process to getting your car fixed. Very quick given the difficulties caused by COVID-19. Everyone I talked to were very nice and thoughtful. Kurt did a wonderful job with communication and creating a friendly atmosphere.

  • Chamber of Commerce
  • Autobody Alliance
  • NABC
  • CIC
  • WMABA
  • Maryland Insurance Administration
  • SCRS (Society of Collision Repair Specialists)
  • I-CAR
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    Call Us For Service: 443-837-0700