Best Body Shop, Hempstead

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516-292-4342 | 522 Peninsula Blvd Hempstead, NY 11550

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 516-292-4342 or make an appointment online!

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TESTIMONIALS

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Needed my passenger side rearview mirror replaced after somebody's ignorant kids knocked it off my car. I thought he was overpriced, but he was able to get the mirror the next day and paint it to match my car exactly, so I got it. The guy (Louis) was nice though and once I got there, it only took about 10 minutes to put it on...a month+ later and it's still holding up well and the color is exact...so fresh in fact that I know how crisp the paint looked when the car was first bought!
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Love love my car. They did a good job fixing my car. It took a little longer than expected but when I got my car back it was good as new. If you need an auto body person this would be the place. Luis was very helpful and friendly too.
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Superb! Not your run-of-the-mill body shop.
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This place towed my 2009 Acura after an accident. The guys here spoke to the insurance company for me, got me a rental car, and repaired my car. The repairs look great. They also cleaned the entire car for me. I would definitely take my car here again.
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At first I was skeptical about leaving my car with the repair shop that towed my car but the manager here was very friendly and helpful. They filed the claim with Geico, and had the rental company pick me up from their shop. After the car was repaired, they cleaned my car and provide lifetime warranty on the repair. I cannot even tell the car was in an accident. I would definitely bring my car here again.
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Awesome guys, bought a car from them that was totaled, and there were no hidden mysteries for me to find when I got it home. Everything they described to me was to the T, and were super nonnegotiable on time frames. Very reputable sellers, and I will absolutely be doing business with them again!