Car accidents can be a terrifying experience, even minor ones. One of the most common types of minor accidents is the fender bender, where two cars collide at low speed causing minor damage to the vehicles.
Despite the minor damage, it is still important to take the necessary steps after a fender bender to ensure the safety of everyone involved and to protect your legal rights. In this blog, we will discuss what to do in a fender bender accident to make sure you and everyone else involved are safe, and you can protect yourself legally.
1. Stop and Check for Injuries
After a collision, the first thing you should do is to stop your car and check for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately and ask for medical assistance. Even if there are no visible injuries, it’s still a good idea for everyone involved to seek medical attention. Adrenaline can mask pain and symptoms can take a while to show up, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
2. Move Your Car to a Safe Place
If possible, move your car to a safe place off the road. This will prevent further accidents and allow the flow of traffic to continue. However, you should only move your car if it’s safe to do so. If the car is too damaged or you’re unsure, leave it where it is and turn your emergency lights on to warn other drivers.
3. Call the Police
No matter how minor the accident is, calling the police is always a good idea. The police will make a report of the accident, which will be helpful for insurance claims and court cases. If the police can’t come, make sure to exchange your contact and insurance information with the other driver, including name, address, phone number, insurance company, policy number, driver’s license number, and license plate number.
4. Take Pictures and Gather Evidence
Take as many pictures as possible of the damages to both vehicles and any other property that is damaged, including street signs and traffic lights. Also, talk to any witnesses and get their contact information, if possible. This information will be invaluable for insurance claims and court cases.
5. Call Your Insurance Company
Call your insurance company as soon as possible, even if there is little or no damage to your car. It’s important to report the accident so that your insurance company is aware of the situation. Also, follow your insurance company’s instructions and cooperate with them fully.
Conclusion:
A fender bender may seem like a minor car accident, but it can still be stressful and even dangerous. By following the above steps, you can protect yourself legally and ensure the safety of everyone involved. Remember, safety should always be your top priority, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
