What To Do After A Fender Bender In Portage La Prairie: Collision Repair Checklist

A minor collision can rattle anyone—but knowing what to do next can make all the difference. Whether you're facing bumper damage or more significant repairs, this guide from the team at Dunn Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM in Portage la Prairie will walk you through each step with confidence. Our full-service Collision Centre, including paintless dent repair and expert colour matching, is here when you need us most.

Key Takeaways

• Prioritize safety and assess for injuries before leaving your vehicle.

• Move to a safe location and activate your hazard lights.

• Exchange key information with all drivers involved.

• Document the scene thoroughly with photos, notes, and witness contact info.

• Report the accident to police and your insurance provider.

• Choose a reputable collision repair centre—like Dunn Chrysler’s—before moving forward with repairs.

• Explore your options if your vehicle is written off.

Stay Calm and Assess Your Role in the Fender Bender

After a car accident, check everyone's safety first. Understand your part in the incident—like backing up or changing lanes—for discussing with police and insurance. Politely exchange names, contacts, and insurance details with the other driver.

This is crucial as it impacts your claims. Document everything about the crash: location, time, cause, and take pictures if possible. This info is key for your insurance provider and needed repairs later on.

Prioritize Safety First

After a fender bender, safety should be your top concern. Find a safe spot and turn on your hazard lights right away.

Secure a Safe Spot

Move your car to a safe spot after a minor crash. This action keeps everyone away from traffic and lowers the chance of more accidents. If your car won't move, turn on the hazard lights immediately.

This signals other drivers to slow down. Always check your surroundings before getting out of the car for safety. Avoid standing in dangerous places like busy roads or blind curves while looking at damages or waiting for help.

Placing your vehicle in a safer area also helps emergency services reach you faster. Police and tow trucks need an unblocked path to the accident site. If possible, stay inside your car if you're on a busy highway or if it's nighttime until assistance arrives or it’s clear to leave safely.

Activate Hazard Lights

After a minor car crash, immediately turn on your hazard lights. This warns other drivers and keeps everyone safer on the roads in Portage La Prairie. The flashing lights also signal police and emergency services to find you quicker.

In bad weather or at night, they ensure faster help, crucial for medical aid following an accident.

Check for Any Injuries

Check for injuries right away if you're in a fender bender.

- Call medical help immediately if anyone is hurt.

After a car accident, make sure everyone is okay. Ask if anyone is hurt and look for injuries. If someone feels hurt, call 911 immediately. Some injuries might not show right away.

If no one seems injured, stay calm. Pay attention to any pain or injury that might appear in the next few days. This can prevent bigger health issues later on.

Next, speak with the police to assist your insurance claim process. They document what happened in an official report. The report contains details like time and location, making the situation clearer for all involved.

Document the Accident Scene

Capture pictures of your car's damage and the surrounding area. Note down the accident time, place, and weather conditions for records.

Take pictures and videos of your car's damage from different angles. This shows the full extent of the harm. Include photos of traffic signs or lights to explain what happened. Note any skid marks or debris.

Also, document the weather conditions and road setup during the crash. These details help with insurance claims after an accident damages your vehicle.

These details matter for insurance claims and repairs. Road conditions like ice or water could influence the collision. It helps accurately assess damages for any claims.

Exchange Essential Information

Calmly exchange the following:

• Full names and contact information

• Insurance company names and policy numbers

• Driver’s license and license plate numbers

• Make, model, and colour of the vehicles involved

Avoid admitting fault on the scene—stick to factual information.

After a car accident, exchange details with the other driver, including their name, phone number, address, insurance company name, driver's license information and policy number. Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) has a helpful traffic accident report form that you could use to ensure you have the information they will require. This information is crucial as it aids in claim processes later.

Also note down the other vehicle's license plate and description. This step simplifies reporting to your insurance when you're planning to fix your car. Also, note the color, make, and model of their vehicle. These details help police and your insurance company.

Spot any unique marks like scratches or dents on the vehicles. This info helps during collision repair talks in Portage La Prairie. Insurance companies need these descriptions to pinpoint the vehicles involved after a crash.

Inform Police and Obtain an Accident Report

In Manitoba, it's required to report collisions where injuries occur or damage exceeds $2,000. The police will help determine fault and create a report that supports your insurance claim. Request a copy or the incident number for your records.

After an accident, you must inform the police and get a report. This is critical in Portage La Prairie, especially if there were injuries or major damage. In these cases, you also need to quickly tell your insurance company.

As soon as you’re able, contact your insurance company to report the incident. Provide all the documentation you've gathered, including photos, police report details, and the other driver’s information. The sooner you report it, the sooner you can begin the repair process.

Arrange for Collision Repair

When it comes to repairs, trust matters. At Dunn Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM’s Collision Centre, we offer body and paint repairs including:

• Paintless dent repair

• Precision colour-matching and repainting

• Structural repairs and glass replacement

• Insurance claim support and coordination

Get a full damage assessment and written estimate before authorizing any work. We handle vehicles of all makes and models, not just Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and RAM.

Always get an estimate before repairs begin. The repair shop will inform you about the duration and cost of the fixes. Ensure the shop can accurately match your car’s color and employs modern technology for repairs. This keeps your car looking its best and functioning properly post-repair.

Obtain a Damage Evaluation and Estimate

Choose a reliable Collision Centre like Dunn Ram Trucks in Portage la Prairie for your car. Get a damage evaluation next. A professional will examine your car for any harm, including bumps and scratches. They will then give you a cost estimate for repairs.

Deciding to Purchase a Different Vehicle

If you're from Brandon, Winnipeg, or anywhere else in Manitoba and find yourself needing a new vehicle after an incident, consider your options carefully. Qualified customers can either finance or lease a vehicle at Dunn Ram Trucks in Portage la Prairie.

In cities like Winkler, Morden, Elie, Dauphin, Neepawa—and beyond—selection matters too. Whether you're choosing an SUV for family adventures or a truck with impressive towing capacity for work in Manitoba’s vast landscapes; color (both exterior and interior), technology features, safety equipment options, comfort including ample legroom are vital considerations.

Every trim and model offers different horsepower and capabilities to match various lifestyles whether it's city commuting in Winnipeg or adventuring around Brandon.

If your vehicle is deemed a write-off, Dunn Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM can help you evaluate your next move. Whether you're ready to finance a new vehicle or lease something while you explore options, our team is here to guide you. We work with qualified customers to find monthly payments that fit their budget, and we’ll walk you through all the details—right down to colour, trim level, and towing capacity.

Conclusion

Getting in a collision is never convenient—but the way you handle it can make the experience far less stressful. Follow these steps to stay safe, stay organized, and get back on the road faster. Dunn Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM’s full-service Collision Centre in Portage la Prairie is here for you when it matters most, with expert repairs, friendly customer service, and trusted advice.

📍 Visit us at 2599 Saskatchewan Ave West or call (204) 857-3458 to schedule your collision repair estimate or speak with our team.

FAQs

1. What should I do after a fender bender in Portage la Prairie?

After a fender bender in Portage la Prairie, first ensure everyone is safe. Then, document the accident scene and contact your insurance company immediately. Consider seeking professional collision repair facility to assess any damage.

2. Can I finance or lease a car after my vehicle was damaged in an accident?

Yes, qualified customers can either opt for financing a car or leasing one in Portage la Prairie following an accident. Both options have their own pros and cons that may depend on your financial situation and personal preferences.

3. How does technology play a role in post-accident repairs?

Technology plays crucial roles from assessing damage using precision tools to executing high-quality repairs with advanced equipment ensuring the color match and finish of your vehicle are restored perfectly.

4. Is it necessary to consider colour when repairing my car after an accident?

Absolutely! Ensuring your body shop has the ability to colour match during collision repair is essential as it affects your vehicle's aesthetic appeal and overall value especially if you're considering financing another car or trading-in at Winnipeg or Portage la Prairie.

5. What is "Auto Loss of Use" and how do I get a rental vehicle after a collision at Dunn Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM?

"Auto Loss of Use" is a type of coverage that may be included in your auto insurance policy. It helps cover the cost of a rental vehicle while your vehicle is being repaired after a collision. We work with trusted third-party rental providers to get you into a vehicle as quickly as possible. If your policy includes Loss of Use coverage, your insurance provider will typically authorize and cover the cost of a rental while your repairs are underway, up to the limits outlined in your policy.

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With more than two decades of experience in the automotive industry, Melissa Draycott has established herself as a key figure at Dunn Automotive. Her expertise covers everything from vehicle models to finance and service, making her a versatile leader in the field. Melissa’s commitment to staying ahead of industry trends has contributed to the ongoing success and development of the dealership.