After an accident · Step by step

What should you do after a car accident?

Safety comes first. Afterwards, document the accident scene, vehicles and important information. When it comes to assessing the vehicle damage, we can support you from the initial claim report onward.

Documenting vehicle damage after a traffic accident
Kfz-Gutachter Boxenstopp in Nordheim near Heilbronn – inspections at our premises or at the vehicle's location by arrangement.
1 Safety firstSecure the accident scene and call 112 if anyone is injured.
2 Document the damageTake photos and note the people involved, registration numbers and witnesses.
3 Then report the damageWe can then assess the vehicle.
At the accident scene

Take these steps first.

Before thinking about an assessment, make sure the accident scene and everyone involved are safe. Do only what you can without putting yourself at further risk.

1

Secure the accident scene

Switch on hazard warning lights, put on a high-visibility vest and place the warning triangle at a safe distance. Pay particular attention to moving traffic.

2

Help injured people

If anyone is injured or has a medical emergency, provide first aid and call emergency services on 112.

3

Record the accident

Take overview photos of the scene and close-ups of the damage. Registration numbers, vehicle positions and visible accident traces may also be important.

4

Exchange details

Exchange names, contact details, vehicle registration numbers and insurance details, where known. Note any witnesses and their contact details.

Important: If anyone is injured, there is immediate danger or another emergency, securing the scene and providing help always take priority over assessing vehicle damage.
Afterwards

From the accident scene to damage assessment.

Once the immediate situation is under control, document the vehicle damage properly and prepare the next steps.

In short

Ideally, have the damage documented before repairs begin.

This preserves evidence of the vehicle's original condition. If the vehicle cannot be driven, an inspection at its location may be arranged.

  • Have the registration document ready or photograph it
  • Write down the accident date and location
  • Save your own damage photos
  • Record the other vehicle's registration number
  • Add insurer / claim number if already known
  • Tell us where the vehicle is and whether it can be driven
Our process

What happens next at Kfz-Gutachter Boxenstopp.

We use the same clear process throughout our website.

1

Report damage

By phone, WhatsApp, email or our damage report form.

2

Inspect the vehicle

In Nordheim or, by arrangement, where the vehicle is located.

3

Evaluate the damage

We bring together damage photographs, vehicle details and the necessary calculation data.

4

Receive your report

Once completed, you receive the report; we agree with you how it will be used.

Which type of claim?

Third-party liability versus comprehensive insurance.

The next steps depend on whether the claim is made against another road user's motor liability insurance or under your own comprehensive policy.

Third-party liability claim

If another road user is responsible for the damage, settlement is generally through that party's motor liability insurance. We have a separate information page about this.

Learn about third-party liability claims

Comprehensive insurance claim

If the claim is to be settled under your own CASCO insurance, the procedure and choice of assessor are determined by your policy and its terms.

Learn about comprehensive insurance claims
No blanket answer when liability is unclear: If it is unclear who caused the accident or whether fault is shared, do not rely solely on general website information to assess the legal situation.
When is an assessment needed?

When is an expert report useful after a car accident?

Not every minor incident automatically requires a comprehensive report. For small claims, a repair estimate with photos may suffice. For larger, unclear or potentially hidden damage, an accident assessment can be useful or necessary for insurance settlement. Whether it is needed and who pays depends on the individual case.

Workshop advantage

When a visual inspection is not enough.

Additional technical facilities at our Nordheim premises help when damaged areas need closer examination or access.

Vehicle on a lift for technical damage inspection
Vehicle liftImprove access to the underbody and lower areas.
Wheel alignment after a traffic accident
Wheel alignment measurementCheck axle and suspension geometry where relevant.
Vehicle diagnostics after an accident
Vehicle diagnosticsInclude electronic systems in the inspection where needed.
Exposing hidden damage caused by a traffic accident
Component removalAccess and document hidden damage where necessary.
Frequently asked questions

Questions immediately after an accident.

What should I do first after a car accident?
First secure the scene. If anyone is injured or there is a medical emergency, provide first aid and call 112. Then, where safe, photograph the scene and damage and exchange details.
What photos should I take after an accident?
Take overview photographs of the entire accident scene and close-ups of damaged areas. Registration numbers, vehicle positions and visible accident traces are also useful.
Do I need all insurance details before reporting damage?
No. Your basic contact and vehicle details are enough at first. You can provide further information as it becomes available.
Can a vehicle that cannot be driven be assessed on site?
Yes, an inspection at the vehicle's location can be arranged. If further technical checks are necessary, our Nordheim premises offer more facilities.
Should I repair the vehicle before the assessment?
Ideally, the damage should be documented before repairs begin, so the vehicle's original condition can be demonstrated later.

Had an accident and need the vehicle damage assessed?

Report the damage or contact Kfz-Gutachter Boxenstopp in Nordheim directly.