A minor car accident, or a fender bender, might not seem like a big deal. A small dent or ding in your car is minor compared to more serious accidents. However small a wreck might seem at the time, it’s still worth it to file a report and call a personal injury attorney.
Why should you call a Lerner and Rowe injury attorney after a fender bender? There are several reasons, including injuries and property damage. When you’re involved in a fender bender, don’t wait until it’s too late to pursue damages! Our Northwest Indiana car accident lawyers will help you file a claim.
The steps outlined below will guide you on what to do in a fender bender and how Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys can help.
Make Sure You Are Safe
After a car accident, even a minor one, it’s normal to feel disoriented, scared, or even angry. Stay calm and don’t make any rash decisions that could get you into even more trouble.
Depending on where the accident occurred, it might be difficult to stay in a safe location while you wait for the police and to talk to the other driver. If the fender bender happened on a busy highway, try to pull over away from traffic, if possible.
Exchange Information
Once you and the other driver are safe, and after calling the police, exchange information. Make sure to get their full name, insurance policy info, license plate number, and make/model/year of their vehicle.
Additionally, remain calm. Being involved in a car accident, no matter how small, is stressful and can lead to anger. Further, while waiting for the police to arrive, avoid talking too much to the other driver and keep the conversation casual. Do not talk about the accident. Any statements made might impact your claim.
File a Claim with a Police Report
When the police arrive, the officer will evaluate the scene and report who is responsible for the fender bender. The police will then file a report after each party relays their account of the accident. Don’t exaggerate and tell the officer exactly what happened. Be sure to call the police as soon as possible—the faster they arrive, the more reliable the account of the accident will be in the report. Once the report has been filed, request a copy of the police report.
The driver at-fault may see an increase in their auto insurance rates. In some cases, the at-fault driver might offer you money not to file a claim. Do not do this! Always file a claim with a police report to protect yourself. By filing a claim with a police report, you’ll avoid the possibility of the other driver filing an insurance claim against you and twisting the narrative to their advantage.
Gather Evidence and Possible Witnesses
Before leaving the scene of the accident, make sure to gather evidence. Take as many photos as you can of the damage to you and your vehicle, no matter how minor. If you’re not at fault, evidence from the crash and the paper trail from the police and insurance will only make your case stronger. Make sure to get photos from all possible angles and record a video.
There aren’t always witnesses available to a fender bender, especially if they occurred on a busy road. In the case where there are possible witnesses, ask if they are comfortable sharing their information with you. If they don’t want to get involved, don’t bother them or attempt to persuade them in any way.
Evaluate Property Damage
Even a minor amount of damage to your car can escalate into major damage and costly repairs. A low-impact collision can also cause damage beyond a ding or dent to the outside of the car. Damage to different parts of a vehicle can cause internal problems like alignment issues, electrical system damage, or axle damage. Don’t underestimate the possible damage to your vehicle after a fender bender. It’s best to get your vehicle inspected to both prevent and avoid larger issues in the future.
Get Checked for Injuries
Even if you feel fine after the accident, you should seek medical attention. Pains from injuries can take a few days to manifest if they aren’t treated quickly. Common injuries from fender benders include:
- Neck injuries from whiplash
- Wrist/hand injuries
- Minor scrapes/bruises
- Back injuries
These injuries can end up causing problems for the rest of your life, so it’s best to take action and see a doctor.
Call a Lawyer
If you’re involved in a fender bender in Merrillville, Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys can help. Our experienced team of legal professionals will guide you through the process of obtaining compensation for your injuries and possible damages after a fender bender.
Call us at 505-544-4444 below 24/7, chat with a LiveChat representative, or complete this secure contact form.
The information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.