7 Crucial Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Los Angeles

1. Put safety first

Pull out of traffic if you can, turn on hazards and check everyone for injuries. Call 911 for any sign of pain or if airbags deployed. A police report creates an impartial record insurers rely on later.

2. Document everything at the scene

Take wide and close-up photos of vehicle positions, damage, skid marks and license plates. Exchange driver information and gather witness contacts. These images could counter a low-ball settlement or disputed fault claim months later.

3. Notify your insurance company—quickly but carefully

Most policies require “prompt” notice. Stick to facts (“rear-ended at 4 p.m. on Sep 12”) and avoid guessing about injuries or repair costs.

4. Know your right to choose the repair shop

Under California’s Auto Body Repair Consumer Bill of Rights, the insurer cannot steer you to their preferred shop—the decision is 100 % yours.  Selecting a certified, independent shop protects you from aftermarket parts and rushed workmanship.

5. Ask about OEM certification & modern repair standards

Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), mixed-materials frames and multi-stage paint require specialised tooling and procedures. The industry’s total cost of repair climbed 3.7 % in early 2024 because of this complexity.  Certified technicians follow the automaker’s blueprint so safety features work exactly as designed.

6. Understand typical repair costs in California

While minor bumper scuffs might run $200–$1,500, structural frame work can exceed $10,000.   Get a written, line-item estimate and be wary of quotes that seem far below market—short-cuts today often mean diminished resale value tomorrow.

7. Choose Century 1st Auto Body & Paint near LAX for peace of mind

Operating since 2003, our family-run shop delivers:

• Average repair turn-around < 7 days
• 30 % deductible assistance to ease out-of-pocket stress
• Lifetime warranty on workmanship & paint
• OEM-approved equipment for Toyota, Honda, GM, FCA and more
  

Call (310) 751-7497 or book a free digital estimate to see exactly how we’ll restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition—fast, fairly and with the personal care only a local business can provide.

Bonus: Keep an “Accident Go-Bag” in your glovebox

• Disposable camera or charged phone
• Pre-printed info sheet (insurance, VIN, emergency contacts)
• Pen & notepad
• High-visibility vest & small flashlight
• Century 1st tow-line card (save our 24/7 towing number!)
  

Being prepared turns panic into a plan—and that plan ends with expert repairs from Century 1st Auto Body, your go-to collision repair shop in Inglewood and near LAX. Ready when you need us, committed to getting you safely back on LA’s busy roads.