A fender bender is a minor car accident that does not involve any significant damage or personal injury. A fender bender may be considered relatively harmless, but it can still be a startling experience for those involved. Talk to an Orange County Car Accident Attorney today to learn more about fender benders.
What should you do after a fender bender?
After you have been in a car accident, some steps you should take are:
- Find a safe place and check for injuries.
The moments after an accident can be very stressful, but it is important to collect your thoughts, ensure you are safe and assess the situation. If you can, check who else is injured and immediately call 911. Report the accident as soon as possible. Seek medical assistance immediately. If you delay getting medical assistance, the insurance providers might use that against you and say that your injuries are not serious. Some injuries might also take longer to manifest, and it is important to get yourself checked to know the full extent of your inquiries.
- Exchange information
It is always a good idea to exchange insurance information with all the motorists involved in the accident. This can help you with your insurance claims further down the line. Generally, it is better to obtain this information as soon as possible.
- Gather evidence and document everything
If you can, take pictures of the accident site and your injuries. You should also talk to any witnesses and get their contact information. Additionally, ensure a police report is filed. If the police do not come to the scene and the accident happens in Texas, you can download a CR-2 Texas crash report form and fill it out yourself. This document can later be used as evidence for your claim and if you decide to take legal action.
- Talk to your insurance company.
Tell your insurance company about the accident. There may be deadlines for reporting the accident, so it is important to do this as soon as possible. After calling the insurance company, you may be asked for information such as your policy number, the other driver’s information, witness information, a description of the accident, any evidence you may have, etc.
Get help from a lawyer today.
A car accident is always a traumatizing event, whether minor or substantial. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, you should immediately seek help from an experienced car accident attorney. Know that there are certain deadlines or statutes of limitations in place, so it is important to act fast. Do not waste any more time, and schedule a consultation today.
