What To Do After A Car Accident In Your Hybrid Car

Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye and leave you feeling stressed and unsure of what to do next. But if you drive a hybrid vehicle, there’s a whole additional layer of information you need to be aware of in the aftermath, including extra steps to ensure your car is safely dealt with. Today, Toyota of Clermont is talking about what to do after a car accident, specifically for all the hybrid car drivers.

First, Understand Your Hybrid Car

If you have a Clermont Toyota hybrid, you’ll need to understand your vehicle to learn what to do after a car accident. Your hybrid can be more demanding with repairs than a gasoline vehicle due to its high-voltage batteries and cooling mechanisms.

High voltage batteries: You’ll need to navigate around various electrical components for repairs to avoid getting shocked. Our Toyota of Clermont techs know how to handle these hybrid batteries and use special protective equipment to avoid getting hurt. When you call 911 after the accident, you’ll want to let them know you drive a hybrid so they’re prepared.

The cooling system: These systems are more advanced than the ones in gasoline cars since they’re managing heat around the hybrid’s battery and electric parts. Again, when figuring out what to do after a car accident, you’ll need to go to a tech who knows how to repair this mechanism with care (like our team at Toyota of Clermont).

Towing: You’ll also need to be aware of what to do after a car accident for towing purposes. Traditional towing isn’t possible with a hybrid vehicle, since the hybrid system and electrical components could be damaged and it can also increase shock risk. To prevent any damage, ask for a flatbed towing truck.

What To Do After A Car Accident Initially

Now we need to discuss what to do after a car accident, starting with what to do right after you’re hit. First, you need to make sure you and your passengers are okay. 

• If someone is hurt, call 911 immediately. 

• Move yourself and your car. Pull over to the side of the road and put your hazard lights on. If you’re unable to move, then stay inside with your seatbelt on until help arrives. 

• If there’s smoke or a fire, immediately get out and back away from the vehicle!

You'll also need to take photos and videos of the hybrid car accident. 

• Capture the position of the vehicles, road conditions, any road warnings/signs, and any visible batteries or car parts. 

• Exchange information with the other driver(s) and get their name, contact info, insurance details, license plate numbers, and vehicle description. 

• If there are any witnesses, make sure you ask for their contact information to request a statement. 

• Call 911 to obtain a police report of the incident and make sure any injuries are taken care of.

Dealing With Insurance After A Hybrid Car Accident

When asking yourself what to do after a car accident for insurance purposes, here are a few things to keep in mind: 

• Ask for a detailed inspection for your hybrid vehicle’s battery, cooling system, and electronic components.

• Be aware that your repair costs may be higher since hybrid parts tend to cost more to fix.

• Save ALL of your paperwork! This includes everything from receipts and estimates on repairs to communications with your insurance company.

• Report the accident as soon as possible to start a claim with your insurance company. Stick with the facts and provide the police report, and they’ll take it over from there.

What To Do After A Car Accident: Final Recommendations

Here are a few more suggestions to consider when figuring out what to do after a car accident: 

• Any temperature higher than 140 degrees Fahrenheit can cause damage to your battery. If you’re getting your vehicle painted after the accident, make sure your technician is careful while near the battery. 

• When asking what to do after a car accident, don’t admit fault at the scene of the accident! Share your perspective with the police and just state the facts of what happened - don’t take blame or apologize. The police will determine who’s at fault and document the incident accordingly. 

• When going through what to do after a car accident, watch out for any warning lights/error messages, odd smells/noises, or delayed symptoms (like smoke). Bring your car into our Clermont Toyota collision center ASAP if you see any of these appear!

Visit Toyota of Clermont For Your Hybrid Car Accident Repairs!

Now that you know what to do after a car accident with hybrid vehicles, you’ll be prepared for any road incidents. If you have any more questions or need help after an accident with some repairs, come visit the body shop at Toyota of Clermont at 16851 State Road 50!