A fender bender is a minor car accident that leads to minor damages and injuries. However, it doesn’t end there. The case can take any direction from that point onwards, depending on how you act. You will have to face the police, medical attendants, your insurer, and maybe crippling fear sometimes. While this may sound like an ordeal, there are simple guidelines that can make the process easy. Let’s see how you can make the situation end in your favor.
1. Be safe and stay calm
Unless you were in a safe place, like parked already, you would have to move. If you were on a busy lane, move to the side, and notify other drivers to avoid further accidents. Frankly, there are many safety precautions after an accident, choose the most appropriate for the situation. Also, intake the surroundings like the time, witnesses, cause of the accident, the other driver’s details. That is not the time to grab the other driver by the chest, no! Stay calm.
2. Call the police
Minor accidents need accident reports too, so call the police. It is very tempting to apologize to the other driver and pat him or her slightly on the back before driving away, especially if you are in a hurry. Unfortunately, this may be taken as running away from the scene and lead to more trouble than you ever thought existed. Besides, it may look like you were fleeing from your mistakes.
3. Seek medical help
Remember, not all accidents manifest outwardly. Therefore, make a point of seeking medical assistance to beware of any injuries and an expert’s input in dealing with the trauma. Plus, the report will act as evidence when seeking compensation from an insurance company.
4. File a claim
How much will you need to repair the car and get treatment? Minor accidents can have a significant impact on your life. For one, you may have to take some time off work or have trouble sleeping for days, which is why pursuing compensation is a worthy cause. Seek the input of experts and file for reimbursement. Insurers do not discriminate damages because they know minor issues can morph into severe and irreversible forms if ignored. Although many insurers respond quickly to a fender bender, seek the input of a personal injury lawyer if you are not sure of how to proceed or if the insurer is cutting corners to avoid compensating you. A skilled attorney will help you get a fair payment.
5. Collect evidence
Backing up a compensation plea with ample evidence is essential for it to be successful. Photos or a recording of how the accident happened, information about the driver and witnesses, accident report from the police, and a medical report are very crucial. A skilled attorney will ease the work for you because collecting evidence is part of their responsibilities.
Final remarks:
Knowing how to act after a minor accident helps you to avoid health and legal problems. It is always good to stay calm and speak to a lawyer for help in legal matters after a fender bender.
