What Should You Do After a Minor Car Accident?
After a fender bender car accident, take all the steps you would take after a more serious accident. Not only will it protect you, but it can also help you recover the costs of the accident if the other driver’s negligence caused the crash.
Seek appropriate medical care for even minor and delayed injuries and follow your doctor’s orders. Then, consider hiring a personal injury law firm in Fort Lauderdale Most law firms will review your case at no cost or obligation. They will also carefully evaluate the costs of restoring your car to its pre-accident condition and demand compensation for those repairs and all other expenses and losses.
What You Do After a Fender Bender Matters
A car accident attorney in your area will handle all the details of your case, including investigating your accident to see if it is as minor as it seems. They will also take on all verbal, written, and electronic communication with the driver and their insurance company. That means they’ll manage settlement negotiations, too.
Potential financial recovery your lawyer can demand for you can include the following:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
Your lawyer will assess your recoverable damages, and, with enough notice from you, can file your lawsuit within the allotted time.According to Insurance Information Institute (III) guidelines, you can also take certain measures at the scene that support your case.
Insist on Calling Local Police to the Accident Scene
A fender bender minor car accident can cause more damage to your car and to your person than you think. No matter how minor the accident appears, insist on calling the police and filing an accident report. Doing so will:
- Protect you from exaggerated claims later
- Document the accident in objective detail
- Provide witness contact information
- Describe all readily apparent vehicle damage
- Describe any readily apparent injuries
Your police report might also include a narrative, diagrams, and photos from the investigating officer. These details will help your lawyer build your case and fight for a fair settlement versus a trial.
Request Help for Anyone Injured in Either Car
A fender bender car accident can result in serious injuries, including cuts, scrapes, and bruises. Request emergency medical care if anyone involved in the accident appears injured or lethargic.
According to Mayo Clinic research, whiplash is a serious injury that often results from a rear-end collision. It is caused by the forceful whipping of your neck and can lead to costly medical care, including:
- Pain management and control
- Prescription muscle relaxants
- Targeted physical therapy
- Immobilization and foam collars
- Prolonged periods of rest
These costs are compensable, and you can recoup them from the liable party with guidance and direction from a car accident lawyer.
Exchange Information With the At-Fault Driver 
After a car fender bender, exchange driver’s license and insurance information with the at-fault driver and with the police officer(s) who respond to the scene. Avoid answering questions, sharing additional information, or assigning fault or blame since anything you do say could be misconstrued.
Keep all other thoughts and opinions to yourself in the accident’s immediate aftermath, and save any further conversation or remarks for your lawyer. They will listen to your version of the events that led to the accident and interview any available witnesses. You should also avoid posting photos or remarks on social channels or accepting unknown friend requests.
Collect Any Readily Available Evidence
If you are not seriously injured, take pictures of both cars from a variety of angles, focusing on points of impact and paint scraping and transfers. Obtain the names and contact information of any witnesses who came forward.
When they investigate your case, your florida car accident lawyer can collect additional evidence, including:
- The police report
- Medical records
- Employment records
- Injury photos
- Traffic camera footage
- Accident reconstruction
Your legal team will not tax you with evidence collection beyond what you obtained at the scene. Instead, they will compile, sort, and organize your case file and submit it to the at-fault driver and their insurance company. You can count on them to fight hard for the best possible outcome of your case.
Reach Out to Our Car Accident Team Today
At the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato, we can take on the negligent driver and their insurance company on your behalf. We will handle all aspects of your case on a contingency-fee basis, meaning we don’t collect attorney’s fees unless and until we reach a favorable financial outcome. Contact or call (954) 633-8270 one of our team members to get your free case review today. We do more than examine paperwork, as we listen to your version of events and build a robust case for you.
