What to Do After a Minor Car Accident

Suffering a minor car accident in North Carolina, such as a fender-bender on I-40 just outside of Raleigh or a small scrape in a Charlotte parking lot, can seem like a simple hassle you can ignore. However, even the slightest ding in a door or hubcap can spiral into a larger headache than it needs to be if the accident isn’t handled right. If you want to protect both your wallet and your rights, it is essential that you are aware of what to do after a minor car accident.

What to Do in the Case of a Fender Bender

One minute, you are on your walk to work, driving down a side street in Greensboro, or moving toward one of the larger thoroughfares to reach your destination, and you brake to let an animal safely get across the road. However, the person behind you isn’t paying attention and does not stop in time to keep their car from hitting your rear bumper. The damage might not be too extensive, and your car still drives, but knowing what to do in these minor situations is important.

Ensure Safety Above All Else

In the event of even a minor accident, safety trumps everything else. North Carolina law requires that you stop after any accident, no matter the size of the collision. However, if your car is still drivable and no one is injured, you can move yourself to the side of the road. Ensure your hazard lights are turned on to warn passing traffic of the citation and then check yourself, your passenger, and anyone else involved in the accident for injuries.

If there is an available shoulder of the road or nearby parking lot, move your vehicle there before taking any new steps. However, if there is neither available in the vicinity, you can simply move your vehicle as far to the side of the road as possible.

Contact the Police

You will then want to report the accident to the police in cases of injury, death, or any property damage that has occurred over a value of $1,000. While the police may not be legally required to arrive at a scene as simple as a dented bumper when no injuries or other damage has occurred, it can still be wise to do so. Why? Because then there will be a permanent record of the accident should any disputes arise in a future insurance claim.

The police can create an official report, which can come in handy should the other driver claim later that they suffered a hidden injury. If there is no report present, even in the case of a minor accident, you are gambling with a future he-said-she-said situation. Having an official report can also help determine who is the liable party for paying any claims that might be filed in the future.

Exchange Contact Information

It is then important that you exchange certain details with the other driver involved in the accident, including names, addresses, insurance information, plate numbers, and driver’s license numbers. Even something like a snapped tailgate in a parking lot in Cary should have you jotting down this information. However, during these exchanges, there is one important thing that should be kept at the forefront of your mind: do not, under any circumstances, discuss or admit to fault.

It can harm your case to even apologize for the accident, even if it truly was not your fault. You should also not try to blame the other driver, even in situations where they clearly hold the fault for the accident. Instead, simply approach them in a calm and polite manner and exchange this necessary information while waiting for the police.

Document the Scene

In a minor car accident, your phone can be a lifesaver. Any damage that has occurred to your vehicle should be documented through photos and videos. You may also want to document the scene itself, any injuries suffered by yourself or a passenger in your car, any skid marks, and any road signs that might pertain. Suffering a snapped mirror or a crunched fender in Gastonia might appear minor, but the photos you take can prove it should the need arise for them later.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you do not suffer any obvious and notable injuries, you should be aware of any aches and pains that crop up in the days following your accident, as these might be signs of an invisible injury. It can be wise to seek the care of a doctor if you are dealing with any injuries due to the accident.

Notify Your Insurance Company and Seek an Attorney’s Help

Finally, the last thing you will want to do is seek the assistance of an attorney and make your insurance company aware of the accident. You will want to do this ASAP and follow your attorney’s instructions on how to speak with your insurance provider. Do not downplay your pain or condition or tell them you had any fault in the accident.

FAQs

Q: What Do You Do if You Slightly Bump a Car?

A: Even if you slightly bump into another vehicle and cause hardly any damage at all, it can still be wise to stop your vehicle and speak with the other involved driver. However, even if you were at fault for the small point of contact, do not admit or discuss fault. Simply exchange contact and insurance information and then reach out to an attorney who can guide you through the necessary steps.

Q: How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Charge?

A: It can be difficult to offer an exact number as to how much a car accident lawyer might charge for their services, as each attorney and how they structure their fees is different. However, there are some common variables across these cases which can impact the final cost analysis. These variables include the duration and complexity of the case and the skill level of your lawyer.

Q: Should I File a Claim for a Minor Car Accident?

A: You should still file a claim with your insurance. In the case of injuries or any damage to your vehicle, if the costs to repair the damage are more than your deductible, and even to stay ahead of any potential injuries that may present themselves. If the other driver is at fault for the accident, you should file a claim with their insurance company, and an attorney can help you do that.

Q: What Is Considered a Minor Car Accident?

A: A minor car accident can occur when there are no injuries and only minor damage done to the vehicles involved in the accident. This could include an incident where the vehicle behind you rear-ends you while driving at a slow and safe speed. You might not suffer any physical injuries in this accident, but you may have to deal with small amounts of damage to your bumper.

Don’t Steer Wrong in a Crash Claim

Experiencing a car accident in North Carolina can seem like a simple bump in the road, but there are specific steps you should take to help any future claim. Don’t let a small dent or fender bender define you. Call the team at the Law Offices of Huffman & Kendrick today.