Nearly everyone gets in a fender bender at least once or twice in their lives, but when it happens to you, it can seem scary and confusing. To help you out, we’ve put together this guide on what to do after a fender bender.
1. Call the police.
By law, you are supposed to report any injuries or property damage from an accident to the authorities. If you get into a fender bender, get yourself and your vehicle to a safe place, and then, contact the police. In a lot of cases, people try to avoid this step especially if there isn’t much damage. But to be on the safe side, you should make a report.
2. Get the other person’s information.
Always get the other driver’s information. This will be critical if you need to make an insurance claim. If the other driver drives away, that is illegal — try to get a photo of their license plate and report that to the authorities.
3. Don’t admit guilt.
While talking with the other driver, don’t admit guilt. There are often extenuating circumstances that determine who is responsible for an accident. If you admit guilt, that may be used against you. The police may also be able to use this information to bring charges against you.
4. Take photos and get numbers from witnesses.
When you get in a fender bender, you should create a record of what happened. Remembering the details clearly on your own can be hard — even if you feel fine, stress can compromise your memories.
Take photos of the accident scene and any damage that occurred. If there were witnesses, get their information and see if they would be willing to make a statement. You may need proof of injuries or property damage if you want to make an insurance claim.
5. Seek medical attention.
Even a small fender bender can cause serious medical issues. When your vehicle stops suddenly, your body continues moving forward. In particular, this creates a heightened risk of whiplash or spinal injuries.
Additionally, the symptoms of some injuries don’t appear right away. The rush of adrenaline after a car accident can prevent you from feeling any pain. As a result, many people don’t think they need medical attention, but they do.
To be on the safe side, always seek medical attention after an accident. This can be critical if you are trying to establish that the injuries were caused by the accident. It is better to ensure nothing is wrong, then waiting and finding out you are injured later.
A fender bender can cost you a lot of money in car repairs, medical bills, and lost time from.. We may be able to help you get compensation for your losses. We focus on providing affordable and personable services.. Need help? Then, contact us at Rep Law today.
