Getting into any car accident can be scary, but even minor fender benders can cause confusion about what you need to do next. It’s important to know what to do after a minor car accident to protect yourself both medically and legally. Our experienced personal injury attorneys at Atticus Injury Law are here to guide you through the steps you should take.
Stay Calm and Ensure Everyone’s Safety
The first thing you should do, of course, is make sure you and anyone else involved are unharmed. If there are no apparent major injuries that require immediate medical care, move your vehicles to a safe location out of traffic, if possible. Turn your hazard lights on, set the parking brake, and gather your thoughts before exiting your vehicle.
Exchange Information
When everyone involved appears to be alright, exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. This includes names, phone numbers, license plate numbers, driver’s license numbers, insurance details, and vehicle make and model information. If there are passengers or witnesses, get their contact information too.
Take Photos of Damage and Scene
Use your smartphone to take photographs of any damage to the vehicles involved, as well as the accident scene. Capture images showing street names, traffic signs or signals, weather conditions, skid marks, and the position of the vehicles. Photograph close-ups of damage to all cars and property. Document everything while details are fresh in your mind.
File Police Report
For any accident where parties don’t immediately agree on fault or there are injuries or major car damage, you should request a police report. Wait at the scene if possible or go to the nearest police station. A detailed, timely report is crucial for supporting insurance claims later. Even if officers can’t determine formal fault, having an official record of the incident is wise.
Seek Medical Care
Not all accident injuries are immediately noticeable. You should get examined by your doctor even after a minor crash to check for conditions like concussions, whiplash, fractured bones, or torn ligaments that cause pain later. These documentation now will be vital later if medical problems emerge. Inform your doctor that you were in an accident and specify all points where you feel pain.
Contact Insurance Company
Inform your insurance provider about the accident as soon as reasonably possible. Give them all pertinent facts like time, location, parties involved, weather conditions, who was ticketed if police wrote citations, witness information, and details about damage and injuries. Cooperative upfront claim reporting is always best. If injuries turn out minor as expected, then the insurer can close it out quickly.
Call Us for Legal Help
Here at Atticus Injury Law, our auto accident injury lawyers can advise you on what to do after a minor car accident. We handle everything from negotiating medical bills and lost wages to securing compensation for pain and suffering. We deal directly with insurers so you can focus on recovery. If your accident injuries worsen over time, we have the legal experience to pursue fair compensation in court if out-of-court settlements can’t be reached. Don’t leave the outcome from even a “minor” crash to chance—contact us for dedicated legal guidance.
Preserve Evidence
Save all police reports, medical records, injury documentation, collision photos, insurance materials, and other records regarding your accident in one place. Also keep track of all accident-related expenses like medical bills, car repair estimates, towing charges, rideshare fares, and more. Clear documentation is key to securing maximum insurance compensation.
Call the At-Fault Driver’s Insurer
Don’t admit fault or try to settle immediately with the other driver’s insurance company. You may speak to them to give your statement, but don’t take blame or agree to any offer without consulting your own insurer first or speaking to a lawyer. The other party’s insurer is looking out for their best interests, not yours.
Consult an Attorney About Injury Claims
Insurance companies may pressure accident victims to provide recorded statements or accept quick settlements that seem reasonable. However, signing away your right to recovery too soon prevents pursuing further compensation if medical issues arise later. Connect with a reputable personal injury lawyer to understand legal time limits for claims in your state and ensure optimal settlement outcomes.
Repair Vehicle Damage
Get collision repair shop estimates and select one approved by your insurance provider before agreeing to any repairs. Save all documentation and don’t commit to paying anything until speaking to both your insurer and lawyer first. Rushed fixes could negatively impact potential injury claims down the road or prevent proper medical-related reimbursements.
Begin an Accident Journal
Start a written record with precise accident details, continuing symptoms you experience, medical treatment details, and all financial losses related to the incident. This is one of the most important things about what to do after a minor car accident. Update it daily. Thorough documentation like this can mean justified higher settlement offers. Also keep track of conversations and paperwork from insurers and medical providers.
Understand No-Fault Insurance Rules
Some states follow no-fault insurance practices impacting who pays for medical bills and damages after accidents. Understand laws in your state and how they might limit your ability to sue the liable driver unless serious injuries as defined in law result. An experienced attorney can best advise how state statutes affect your potential claims.
Changing Circumstances
If injuries worsen considerably or uninsured losses mount, the other driver’s insurance settlement offer may no longer cover necessities like ongoing medical care. Contact Atticus Injury Law so we can reassess your rights and need for litigation or negotiating expanded claim settlements. Don’t let smaller initial accident estimates prevent fair compensation if circumstances spiral.
Relax and Stay Positive
The aftermath from even minor collisions involves many factors outside your control. Don’t obsess over what-ifs but instead follow these steps to protect yourself both medically and financially. Focus energy on getting well and let us handle battling insurance companies for proper accident compensation. With competent legal representation from start to finish, we can make the process less stressful while also looking out for your best interests after the crash.
Don’t Get Overwhelmed—Call Us Today
At Atticus Injury Law, we have helped hundreds of auto accident injury victims in our state receive settlements enabling their fullest recovery. Our experienced attorneys offer straightforward guidance and comprehensive legal support so you can move forward after an accident. Don’t tackle the insurance claims process alone—we will negotiate aggressively in your best interests while you take time to heal. Reach out today so we can help you recover confidently and completely after a minor collision. and protect your interests.
