A fender bender lawyer handles the legal and insurance issues following a minor car accident. After a fender bender, many people ask the question, should I get a lawyer for a minor car accident? Discover what to do in a fender bender accident or any other minor car accident below:
What is a Fender Bender Lawyer?
A fender bender lawyer is an attorney who assists people who were involved in a minor car accident. Many drivers can walk away from a fender bender without injury. In those situations, it might be easiest to exchange information and let the insurance companies handle the claims. However, sometimes fender benders are more complicated. Whether there is a dispute about fault, questions about damages, or injuries that arise from the accident – it’s a good idea to have solid legal representation on your side.
What to Do in a Fender Bender Accident
Wondering what to do in a fender bender accident? There are a few things that should be done to ensure you stay safe physically and legally. Follow these steps so you remain protected in any minor car accident:
- Pull Over to Safety
- Assess and Call 911 if Injured
- Exchange Information
- Document Damage
- Vehicle Next Steps
- Make Insurance Claim
- Contact a Fender Bender Lawyer
Pull Over to Safety
The first thing you should do after a fender bender is pull over to the side of the road where it is safe. The other vehicle involved in the accident should also pull over. If they do not pull over, record their license plate number, make, and model so you can find their information later. Never leave the scene of a car accident, regardless of how minor it seems. If the other party files a report against you, you may be on the hook for a hit-and-run if you did serious damage. The only way to accurately assess damage is to have the vehicle inspected by a professional. Oftentimes, damage isn’t easily detectable from a quick visual inspection.
While your adrenaline may go wild after hitting another vehicle, always stay calm after a car accident. Nothing good comes out of losing control. Do not admit any fault. Identifying fault can be complicated. In instances where the answer is unclear, it’s best to just document the damage, and report your side of things to the police.
Assess and Call 911 if injured
As soon as a fender bender occurs and you safely stop, assess yourself for injury. Even small car accidents can cause injuries and damage through whiplash, seatbelt injuries and beyond. If you feel like something is wrong and you may be injured, call 911 to get emergency services. That way, you can receive an assessment from first responders and see if you need to go to the hospital. Oftentimes people don’t feel injuries from car accidents until hours or even days later. See a medical provider if you start to experience any pain or symptoms.
Even if you do not have any pressing injuries, you should still call the local police department and report the accident. An officer may come to your location to provide support. In cases where your vehicle is still fully operable, they may direct you to the police station to file a report. You may also be able to file a report online. Once you file, ask for a copy of the police report so you can show it to your lawyer.
Exchange Information
Once you and the other driver are safely pulled over, record their insurance information (this is common practice and not an invasion of privacy). Also write down (or snap a photo of) their license plate number and driver’s license information. Exchanging these details enables both parties to file claims with their car insurance provider and fix any damages to their vehicles. Again, do not get argumentative in this situation. If the other party does not want to share their information, request that the local police. They can come to the scene to help facilitate the exchange.
Document Damage
Once you’re safely on the side of the road, grab your phone or camera and document any new damage you see on your car and the other driver’s car. Document missing car parts or issues that appear present due to the fender bender. Even if it looks like just a small bump or a broken taillight, get the photo. Sometimes car issues arise after the fact and may not be immediately apparent.
Vehicle Next Steps
If your car has significant damage, and no longer seems safe to drive, contact a towing service to bring the vehicle to a repair shop. Do not drive the car if you do not feel confident in its safety. Do not abandon your vehicle on the side of the road without a plan to tow it. Leaving a vehicle is unsafe and if left unaccounted for long enough, it can be towed away and will be more expensive in the long run.
Make Insurance Claim
If you’re wondering what to do after a fender bender, it’s a good idea to make a claim. Contact your insurance after an accident occurs promptly. This allows your insurance company to assist with the repair process. It also ensures that you have the proper documentation in place following an incident. Many insurance companies allow you to make a claim right through an app or online, but you can usually also call for a step by step walk through.
However, if the other party’s insurance company tries to contact you, do not provide them with any information. This is when a fender bender lawyer should step in to ensure you are being properly protected. Navigating insurance claims can be difficult. If you’re wondering should you give a recorded statement to the insurance company, should you admit fault, or any other common questions following an accident, contact a Denver personal injury attorney for advice.
Contact a Fender Bender Lawyer
Finally, if any complications arise throughout the process of documenting or following up on a fender bender, the best thing to do is contact a fender bender lawyer. A car accident lawyer like CO Trial Lawyers has extensive experience in seeking justice for major car accidents, as well as smaller incidents. Many issues can occur following a minor car accident. Regardless of the severity of damage, if there are miscommunications or misrepresentations, a lawyer can help iron out the issues and ensure you get the justice you deserve.
What to Do in a Fender Bender Accident: Next Steps
Getting in even a minor car accident can be jarring and unsettling. If you’re wondering what to do in a fender bender accident, do not hesitate to contact a Denver car accident lawyer to discuss your case. CO Trial Lawyers provides a free consultation, so you can talk with a lawyer and find out if you have a case without any commitment.
Get a Fender Bender Lawyer Consultation Today
Now that you know what to do in a fender bender, you can get in touch with a fender bender lawyer to take the next step. Contact CO Trial Lawyers today. As one of Denver’s leading personal injury attorneys, CO Trial Lawyers can help you seek justice following an injury from a car accident.
Call 303.390.0799 or complete our contact form to get in touch with a qualified personal injury lawyer.