Fender benders mostly involve low-speed accidents where one car happens to bump into another. These accidents are common in parking lots. While these may be seen as minor accidents, they could actually cause injuries, financial losses, and stress.
Fender bender accidents are serious matters. The sooner the action is taken, the lesser the complications regarding insurance claims, car repairs, or injuries. What may appear to be a minor accident could have long-term consequences, so handling it carefully right away is important.
The Importance of Documentation
After a fender bender, it’s very crucial that the incident is well documented. Even in cases when the accident seems minor, it’s paramount to take pictures of damages, scenes, and surroundings that can help explain the situation later on. If possible, insurance information should be exchanged with the other driver and the police so there is a record of what happened. This documentation can be very key should there be disputes either in the cause of the accident or the extent of damages.
Vehicle Inspection and Repair
Even if your car looks like it only has cosmetic damage, it is important that a professional inspects your vehicle. Misalignment, suspension problems, and even frame damage can often result from such incidents. Getting an estimate for repairs can help you understand the full scope of the damage and how much it might cost to fix. In many cases, insurance can cover the costs, but if the other driver is at fault and doesn’t have adequate insurance, you might be left with out-of-pocket expenses.
Health Impacts of Fender Benders
While they might not seem very dangerous, the physical results of fender benders on drivers and passengers are very serious. In addition to whiplash, soft tissue injuries occur in just about every low-speed collision. These types of injuries may cause pain and stiffness, with long-term complications that may need to be treated. Any symptoms experienced after the accident would merit immediate medical attention and proper documentation.
Insurance and Claims
Fender benders generally involve an insurance claim, which can be very complicated. Everything depends on the situation: either the car insurance of the guilty driver will cover the damage and medical treatment, or your insurance will. In the case of denial of liability by the other driver’s insurance, or in case of dispute as to the extent of damage, legal intervention might be necessary. A lawyer specializing in car accident claims will help you get fair compensation for damages to your vehicle, medical bills, and lost wages.
Legal Considerations
Legal issues can arise even from minor accidents. If the driver at fault refuses to acknowledge his fault, or if there is an issue in receiving compensation from an insurance company, you may have to resort to legal action. A personal injury attorney can assist in explaining your rights, filing claims, and negotiating with insurance companies. In cases where the accident results in ongoing medical issues, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit to cover long-term care or loss of income.
If you find this article helpful, click here for more.
