Have you ever been in a fender bender? Those small car accidents that make your heart race and leave you wondering what to do next? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Fender benders are one of the most common accidents that happen out on the road.
To give you an idea, here are some straightforward tips on how you can handle a fender bender if you ever get into one in the future.
Stay Calm and Safe
First things first, it’s essential to stay calm. Take a deep breath and make sure you and your passengers are safe. If your car is still drivable, try to move it to the side of the road. And if it’s not, be sure to turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers. Keep in mind, worrying or stressing will not help anyone.
Now, if you have a lawyer who specializes in car accidents on speed dial, then you should call them immediately. In case you don’t, you can also find a good and experienced car accident lawyer to help you out. They’re the experts when it comes to navigating the legal side of car accidents and can offer you valuable advice.
Exchange Information
After ensuring everyone’s safety, it’s time to exchange information with the other driver. Keep it simple – just swap names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance info. Remember, stay polite and cooperative during this exchange.
Document the Scene
Grab your smartphone or a camera and start documenting the scene. Take pictures of where the cars ended up, any visible damage, and the surroundings. Don’t forget to snap shots of road signs, traffic signals, and the weather conditions. These photos can be your best friends if you need to make an insurance claim or deal with any legal matters.
Contact the Authorities
In many situations, it’s a good idea to involve the police. Dial 911 and let them know about the accident. The police can create an official report, which can be vital for insurance claims or any potential legal processes. Even if it’s a minor accident, having that police report on hand can help protect your interests.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Now it’s time to give your insurance company a ring. They’ll guide you through the process of making a claim and help you understand what your policy covers. Remember to provide them with all the information and photos you collected at the scene.
But you should be careful because insurance companies try to get anything out of you to lower your claim. That’s why you should consider working with an auto accident lawyer to have a better chance with the insurance company.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel okay after a fender bender, it’s essential to consider seeing a doctor. Some injuries may not show up right away, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. Plus, having a medical record can be helpful if you experience delayed pain or other health issues linked to the accident.
