What to Do After a Minor Fender Bender Accident

A fender bender, or minor car accident, is a common occurrence that can lead to stress, confusion, anxiety, and significant expenses. However, knowing what to do following a fender bender can help to navigate the situation smoothly. Below, we provide a step-by-step guide on what to do following a minor car accident, taking you from the scene of the incident right up to claiming compensation.

What Constitutes a Minor Fender Bender?

Figures compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) suggest that the following elements deem a car accident to be minor:

1. There were no injuries, and medical assistance was not necessary.
2. The vehicles involved could be driven away from the scene.
3. No airbags were deployed on impact.

Get to a Safe Police and Call the Police

Whether you’ve hit another car or been hit yourself, you must remain at the scene and maneuver your car into a safe place. Then, you can call 911 and wait for the police to arrive – you can only leave after being told to do so by the police.

Exchange Information and Start Gathering Evidence

While you’re waiting for the police to arrive, exchange information with all other parties involved and start gathering evidence. Start by taking photos and videos of the scene from every angle – the more photos the better. You can then start speaking to potential witnesses and collecting their contact information – they may have dashcam footage that will help when filing a compensation claim.

Speak to the Police and Have a Medical Assessment

When the police arrive, give them as much detail as possible about what happened during and after the accident. After they’ve spoken to each party, they will tell you it’s safe to leave the scene. Do not leave without the incident number – our car accident attorneys will need it during the investigation.

Even though vehicle damage is minimal and you’ve driven away without any obvious injuries, it’s essential to schedule a medical assessment as soon as possible. Some injuries, like whiplash, may take a while to present injuries. As well as ensuring your safety, a medical assessment is an essential part of claiming compensation.

Here are the most common injuries we see during minor fender bender cases:

• Whiplash: Neck injury caused by a fast back-and-forth movement.
• Sprains: A twist or wrench in the ligaments, most commonly the wrist and ankle.
• Lacerations: Any deep tear or cut to the skin.
• Spinal injuries: Damage to the spine, which is extremely fragile.

Notify Your Insurance Company and Get in Touch with an Attorney

To claim compensation for an accident, you must notify your insurance company. When you do this, avoid giving them any details because anything you say can be used to throw your claim out. From this point, contact our expert attorneys to deal with your case. We will conduct a thorough investigation, collate evidence, and speak on your behalf with all necessary parties, meaning you can focus on recovery and getting on with your life.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a minor fender bender, contact The Law Offices of William J. Luse at the following location:

917 Broadway St, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577.

Or call now for a free consultation on (843) 839-4795.