Have you ever been in a fender bender? If you have, you’re not alone. 1.7 million fender benders happen in the US every year.

Fender benders or minor car accidents are collisions with little to no damage. The vehicles’ drivers or occupants also have no severe injuries. These accidents happen at low speeds most of the time, such as in parking lots or stop-and-go traffic.

People often think these accidents aren’t serious. Some might even think it’s OK to drive away. That’s a mistake that could come back to haunt you.

A car accident attorney will tell you minor car accidents have legal consequences. That’s why you should treat them as if it’s a serious crash and protect yourself. Here’s what to do after a minor car accident.

Make Sure Everyone’s Safe

Your priority should always be safety. So the first thing you should do after a fender bender is ensure you and your passengers are safe. Call emergency services if there are injuries, no matter how minor they might look. Injuries like whiplash have delayed symptoms. These can appear hours or days after the accident.

Move to Somewhere Safe

Your next step should be to move your car to somewhere safe. Pullover or drive to the nearest parking lot. This will ensure everyone’s safety and prevent more accidents from happening. You also won’t cause traffic.

Safety should always be your number one priority. Remain inside if your vehicle isn’t drivable or moving it is dangerous. Don’t forget to turn on your hazard lights while waiting for help to arrive.

Going on your merry way is tempting if there are no injuries or damages. But don’t leave the scene of an accident. Police might treat it as a hit-and-run if you do. This has legal consequences and penalties.

Call 911

Always call for help even in minor accidents. The dispatcher will send the police and any needed first responders to your location.

You need law enforcement to document the scene. They’ll write an accident report, which is crucial if there are questions about your claim. Always be honest and factual when talking to police officers.

Do not say it’s your fault even if you think it is. Any lawyer for a car accident will tell you it’s better to leave that to the insurance companies or the court. Admitting it’s your fault can impact your insurance claim.

Be Proactive

You don’t have to sit there doing nothing. Once everyone’s safe, you can start exchanging information with the other driver. You’ll need these to file an insurance claim. Get details like,

• The names and contact details of the driver and passengers
• The driver’s license number and their car’s license plate
• The vehicle’s make, model, and color
• Information about the driver’s insurance company (company name and policy number)

Make sure you document the accident scene. Use your smartphone to take videos or photos of the following:

• Site of the accident (street signs, traffic signals, etc.)
• Road conditions, lighting, weather at the time of the accident
• Vehicles involved in the accident. Make sure you take close-up and distance photos. Take pictures from different angles.
• Visible injuries to yourself and your passengers

Take note of every detail you can. Write down the time of the day, what you were doing before the accident, and what the other driver said.

Keep a Cool Head

Emotions will be running high after an accident. You might feel angry, upset, or scared. So is the other driver and any passengers you two have. It’s easy to end up having a heated argument with the other party. But this will only escalate an already tense situation and complicate the situation.

Try to stay calm and polite. Keep your focus on exchanging information and documenting the accident site.

Call a Car Accident Attorney

You should also hire a car accident lawyer Orlando even if it’s a minor accident. There are several benefits to this. Your lawyer will give you advice based on the specifics of your case. They can also deal with your insurance company and protect your interests.

A Final Word

Vehicle accidents are scary and stressful. You can’t afford to make a mistake. That’s why you need Warner and Warner on your side. We’re one of the top trial law firms in Florida. We’ll provide you with the highest level of representation. Our team specializes in vehicle accident cases, personal injury, and defective products. We also handle medical malpractice and pharmacy malpractice cases. Call us at 321-341-6783 for a free case review. You can also reach us here.