Car Accidents Happen, Here’s Some Thoughts

Unfortunately car accidents happen and even a minor accident can be very stressful. In the moments after an accident it's important to do certain things to keep yourself safe. These are some ideas to think about and go over with the younger drivers in your home to help them be prepared in case of an accident. Remember it is very easy to have jumbled thoughts when an accident occurs so thinking about what you would need to do at that time is important

Right after the accident:

1 - Take a few deep breaths and gather your presence of mind

2 - Turn your engine off and turn on your hazards

3 - Check yourself for injuries, then check the others in your car. When injury is in            doubt call 911 for an ambulance. Ask for help from bystanders if needed. 12 years ago I was in a bad accident and did not go to the hospital even though I was knocked out for about 20-30 seconds. I thought I was ok at the time. I later ended up going to the hospital because my back and neck were hurting so bad.

4 - Be careful if you get out of your vehicle. You want to get to the side of the road as soon as possible. Often times the most serious injuries occur after the accident when a person stands next to their vehicle in the middle of the road. Get out of the road quickly if possible.

5 - If the accident is minor move your car to the shoulder of the road immediately.

6 - Call the police even if it's a minor accident. (Police officers in some jurisdictions however may not be able to respond unless there are injuries or if it is a major wreck)

7 - Take pictures of the accident if possible. Unfortunately there are some bad people out there that will lie about what happened causing the accident. This happened to my daughter recently and she ended up having to pay her $1000 deductible even though it was the other person's fault

8 - Exchange information with the other party or parties. Get insurance company name, policy number, driver's licence number, phone number and licence plate number. Often the driver of the other vehicle is not the owner so get as much information as possible.

9 - Write down the make, model and vin number of the other vehicle.

10 - If there any witnesses get their information if possible. Some people are not willing to give out their information however it doesn’t hurt to ask.

11 - All the information exchanged can be photographed for safer keeping.

12 - When you get home call your insurance company.

Remember these are just ideas to think about. Keep the thoughts you like and disregard the rest. Every accident is different and do whatever is the best and safest thing for you at the accident scene

Holiday Season Gets Crazy, Make Appointments Now

With the holidays coming up make your appointments early. We get really busy for the next 5 weeks. We want everybody to be able to get the services you need done so please don’t wait till the last minute to make your appointments.

For Christmas we will be closed Monday December 25th and New Years January 1st

The holidays are so often hectic so let us be of service and make this holiday a little more peaceful and safer for you.

Don't forget about our other shop Atlanta Hybrid Repair. AHR is equipped to handle all your Toyota and Lexus service needs. AHR is smaller, so often it's easier to get an appointment. Gas powered and hybrids are welcome. Located at 5630 Peachtree Blvd. 1 mile away from the main shop across the street from Wendy’s and the Kia dealership. Call Kenny or Robbie for appointment at 770-492-7437

Thanksgiving Thoughts

It seems as though it was only a blink of an eye ago that I was wishing you Happy Thanksgiving at this time last year. Time flies and I have have so much more appreciation of everything in my life. The list of people places and things that I am grateful for grows longer each year.

With that in mind I wish to thank you all for being loyal customers. It is your patronage that enables all 16 of our employees and their families to have a roof over their heads, clothes on their backs and food on their tables.

That is a really big deal and we appreciate it more than I can ever say. We have so many customers that have been with us for so many years. Thank you. So many of you have referred your families, friends and neighbors that have enabled our company to grow to its current size.

I now mention the word grateful. To me it is such a strong expressive meaningful word. (Grateful definition: warmly or deeply appreciative of kindness or benefits received; thankful)  

We are truly grateful for every customer that comes into our shop.

Our hopes are that you have a awesome Thanksgiving weekend. Whether you're staying home or you're traveling across town or across the country may your journey be a safe one filled with much joy and laughter. Hug all your friends or loved one’s and let them know you are grateful for these folks being in your life.

The ToyoTechs and Atlanta Hybrid Repair Team

“A grateful heart is a beginning of greatness. It is an expression of humility. It is a foundation for the development of such virtues as prayer, faith, courage, contentment, happiness, love, and well-being”

                                                  . James E. Faust