5 Actions to Take Following a Car Accident

Keen’s Body Shop • March 5, 2025
A white car is being towed by a silver truck.

Being involved in a car accident can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a serious collision, knowing what steps to take can help you navigate the process as successfully as possible. Here are five important steps to follow after a car accident.


Check for Injuries/Take Safety Precautions

The first priority after an accident is to check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately for medical assistance. If the accident is minor and your vehicle is drivable, move it to a safe location, such as the side of the road, to prevent further hazards. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers of the situation.


Call the Police

Even if the accident seems minor, it’s important to contact law enforcement. A police report provides an official record of the incident, which can be valuable when filing an insurance claim. When officers arrive, provide accurate information about what happened. The police will document the scene, gather witness statements, and provide you with a report number that you can reference later.


Gather Information and Take Photos

Collecting information at the scene is crucial for handling insurance claims and potential legal issues. Exchange contact and insurance details with the other driver, including their name, phone number, driver’s license number, and vehicle information. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact details as well. Also, take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. These images can serve as valuable evidence if there are disputes about the accident.


Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurance provider as soon as possible. Provide them with the details of the crash, including the police report number, photos, and any witness statements. Be honest about what happened, but avoid speculating about fault. Your insurance company will guide you through the claims process and explain your coverage.


Choose an Expert Body Shop

While your insurance agent might suggest you go to a specific shop, you get to decide where to go for the repairs. Be sure to choose a trustworthy shop that knows how to expertly repair collision damage.


Collision Repair in Columbus, OH

For expert collision repair in Columbus, Dayton, and Lancaster, OH, contact Keen’s Body Shop at  1-888-681-5336. Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment!

What can I do to reduce my car accident risk?

By Keen’s Body Shop • November 3, 2026
Auto accidents can happen unexpectedly, but many collisions are preventable when drivers practice safe driving habits and remain attentive behind the wheel. Whether you travel long distances or run errands around town, making responsible decisions on the road can reduce risks for you and others. From avoiding distractions to maintaining your vehicle, a few simple precautions can make a meaningful difference. Here’s a look at four basic tips for preventing auto accidents. Always Stay Focused on Driving Distracted driving is a major safety concern because even a brief lapse in attention can prevent you from noticing changing traffic conditions. Avoid texting, checking notifications, or reaching for objects while driving. Set your navigation system and music before leaving, and keep your phone out of reach if necessary. Staying focused allows you to recognize hazards, respond to sudden stops, and maintain awareness of other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. Maintain a Safe Following Distance Following too closely reduces the time available to react when the vehicle ahead slows down or stops suddenly. Leave at least a three-second distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you, increasing that distance in rain, snow, fog, or heavy traffic. A larger gap provides additional time to brake smoothly and avoid a collision. Avoid tailgating, and remember that larger vehicles may require more stopping distance than passenger cars. Keep Your Vehicle Properly Maintained Mechanical problems can contribute to accidents, making routine vehicle maintenance an important part of safe driving. Worn tires, malfunctioning brakes, damaged lights, and steering problems can affect your ability to control your vehicle. Follow your manufacturer's maintenance recommendations and address unusual noises, warning lights, or changes in handling promptly. Before longer trips, check that your tires, lights, windshield wipers, and other essential systems are functioning correctly. Drive Defensively and Anticipate Hazards Defensive driving means looking beyond the vehicle directly ahead and anticipating what other drivers might do. Watch for pedestrians near intersections, cyclists in blind spots, sudden lane changes, and vehicles entering traffic. Check mirrors regularly, signal your intentions clearly, and avoid assuming other drivers will always follow traffic rules. Stay calm when encountering aggressive drivers, and allow extra space rather than escalating a dangerous situation. Collision Repair in Columbus, OH Even if you’re careful, you still may end up in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, in which case our local body shop can provide expert repairs. For collision repair in Columbus, Dayton, and Lancaster, contact Keen’s Body Shop at  1-888-681-5336  . Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!

Important Reasons Automotive Rust Should Be Professionally Fixed Right Away

By Keen’s Body Shop • October 5, 2026
Automotive rust is more than a cosmetic problem. Once corrosion begins forming on your vehicle, it can continue spreading and affect the metal underneath. What starts as a small rust spot can eventually become a much more extensive issue, particularly when the vehicle is exposed to moisture and corrosive substances. Having automotive rust professionally repaired as soon as possible can help protect your vehicle’s appearance, structural condition, and long-term value. At Keen’s Body Shop, we provide expert car rust repair in the greater Columbus, OH area. Here are four important reasons to deal with car rust ASAP. Prevent Rust From Spreading Rust tends to progress once corrosion has begun affecting a metal surface. Simply covering a rust spot with paint is not the way to address the underlying corrosion. Professional auto body technicians can evaluate the affected area, remove damaged material when appropriate, treat the surface, and refinish it properly. Addressing rust while it’s relatively localized can help prevent it from spreading to surrounding areas. Protect Your Vehicle’s Body Severe corrosion can weaken automotive body panels and other metal components. As rust continues to develop, it can cause bubbling, flaking, holes, and deterioration of the affected metal. Professional rust repair can help preserve the condition of the vehicle’s body by addressing corrosion before it causes more extensive deterioration. Maintain Your Vehicle’s Appearance Rust spots, bubbling paint, and discolored areas can make an otherwise well-maintained vehicle look neglected. Professional repairs can restore affected areas and help create a cleaner, more consistent appearance. Taking care of rust promptly can also prevent small blemishes from becoming large, highly visible areas of corrosion. Help Preserve Resale Value A vehicle with extensive visible rust will likely be less appealing to prospective buyers. Keeping corrosion under control demonstrates that the vehicle has received proper care. Professional rust repair can help maintain the exterior condition of your vehicle and contribute to its long-term value. Automotive Rust Repair in Columbus, OH For expert auto body repair in Columbus, Dayton, and Lancaster, OH , contact Keen’s Body Shop at  1-888-681-5336  . Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!
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