Right after a crash, your head is all over the place. Even a minor bump can leave damage you can't see, and a bigger one might make the car unsafe to drive. Knowing what to do in the first 24 hours takes a lot of the stress out of it.
If you end up searching "car accident repair near me" later that day, great. But that comes after the more important stuff. Safety first, then photos, then your insurer, then the repairer.
1. Check everyone is okay
Before you think about the car, check yourself, your passengers and anyone else involved. If someone is hurt, get medical help straight away.
If the vehicles are in a risky spot, move them only when it's safe and legal to do so. Put your hazard lights on and keep an eye on passing traffic. It's easy to panic. Try to slow down and breathe.
2. Work out if the car is safe to drive
Some cars look fine and aren't. Look for leaking fluids, smoke, broken lights, a damaged wheel, strange noises or panels hanging loose.
If you have any doubt, don't drive it. Call a tow truck or roadside assistance and have it inspected. Damage to the suspension, steering or bumper structure isn't always visible from the outside, especially after a harder hit.
3. Take photos while you can
If it's safe, photograph everything before the vehicles are moved. Get your damage from a few angles, the other car's damage, both number plates, the road, any signs and anything lying on the ground.
These photos help when you talk to your insurer, and they help the repairer too. Glossworks lets you upload photos when you ask for a quote, so the team can get a feel for the damage before you even walk in.
4. Swap details with the other driver
Get their name, phone number, registration and insurance details. If there were witnesses, grab their contact info as well.
Don't try to decide who's at fault on the spot. Just collect the facts and let the insurers sort that part out. If police need to attend, follow the reporting rules.
5. Call your insurer
Once things have settled, report the accident. They'll usually ask when and where it happened, what happened, which vehicles were involved, and for photos and any police details.
Here's one thing people miss. You don't automatically have to use the repairer your insurer suggests. Depending on your policy, you may be able to pick your own. Check before you agree to anything. Glossworks works with insurers and can help with assessments, quotes and repair approvals.
6. Find a repairer you trust
When you search "car accident repair near me", you'll get plenty of options. Closest isn't always best. Look for experienced technicians, decent equipment, clear communication and a workshop that's happy to explain how they got to their quote.
A good repairer will inspect the car first, then tell you what it needs. That might be panel beating, dent removal, paint, replacement parts, or a mix. Glossworks handles everything from small dents to major collision repairs.
7. Don't brush off the small stuff
A little dent or bumper scrape seems harmless, but chipped paint can let moisture in, and a damaged panel can get worse if it's left.
Some minor dents can be fixed with Paintless Dent Removal, which keeps your original paint. Glossworks says many of these can be done in a few hours, though you'll need an inspection to know for sure. Scratches, paint damage and bigger dents usually mean traditional panel repair and spray painting.
8. Get it properly assessed
You might see a crumpled bumper or a dented door. A technician can check what's going on behind it. Glossworks starts every job with an assessment so the team can plan the right repair, and it also gives you a clearer idea of timing and cost early on.
9. Keep your paperwork in one place
You'll get emails, texts and documents from different people over the first day or two. Keep your photos, claim number, insurer messages and repair estimate together. It makes dealing with your insurer and the workshop much easier.
If it was a not-at-fault accident, ask the repairer what your options are before you agree to a repair process.
Why the right repairer matters
A good repair isn't just about making a panel look right. The car has to be fixed properly, with attention to safety, structure and paint finish.
Glossworks works on all makes and models, including prestige and luxury cars. Services include panel beating, accident repairs, insurance claim repairs, spray painting, Paintless Dent Removal and prestige vehicle repairs. Having a local workshop that handles both private and insurance jobs makes a stressful week a lot easier.
Where to find Glossworks
Glossworks has two workshops in Melbourne, covering the south-east and Bayside areas.
Glossworks Moorabbin
44 Alex Ave, Moorabbin VIC 3189
Glossworks Carnegie
1064 Dandenong Rd, Carnegie VIC 3163
Phone: 1300 145 677
Open Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm. Closed weekends.
Final thoughts
The first 24 hours after a crash can feel like a blur. Look after people first, document the damage, swap details, call your insurer and get the car assessed.
When you do search for car accident repair near me, don't just pick the nearest option. Ask about experience, repair quality, communication and insurance support. If you're in Melbourne's south-east, Glossworks can look at your car at either the Moorabbin or Carnegie workshop, and getting it checked early means you'll know where you stand.
Glossworks Workshop Addresses
Moorabbin Workshop
44 Alex Ave, Moorabbin VIC 3189, Australia
Carnegie Workshop
1064 Dandenong Rd, Carnegie VIC 3163, Australia
Phone: 1300 145 677
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