what hapoens when you are in a minor fender bender abd the other party gets a lawyer

by Dr. Jerald Ziemann 5 min read

Do I need a lawyer for a Fender Bender?

Nov 02, 2021 · The fender of your car is the part of the vehicle that curves over the wheels of the car to protect it. When you get into a fender bender, the fender can bend and become indented — hence the name fender bender. In general, these types of accidents cause minor or cosmetic property damage but typically not personal injuries.

What should I do after a fender bender accident?

Mar 31, 2020 · The term fender bender is usually used to refer to a minor car accident. They typically happen while travelling at low speeds, and can be a head-on, T-bone, or rear-end accident. They typically happen while travelling at low speeds, and can be a head-on, T-bone, or rear-end accident.

Do you need insurance after a Fender Bender?

You slam on the brakes and swerve out of the way, but end up sideswiping the car in the lane next to you. The other car that pulled out, however, is now long gone. The accident that you’ve just experienced isn’t serious, just one of those minor fender benders, but your day is already ruined.

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How to handle a fender bender?

Immediate Steps to Follow When You’re Involved in a Fender Bender With Other Vehicles 1 Do not drive away, and never admit fault! Look for any signs that your vehicle, or the other drivers’, could combust. If necessary, move away from the vehicles. 2 Assess yourself and passengers for any signs of injury. If there are signs, immediately contact emergency medical attention. 3 If it’s safe to do so, move your car out of the hazard zone and onto the shoulder of the road. This will help prevent traffic blockages or further collisions. 4 Exchange contact information with all other drivers involved in the accident. This includes phone numbers, drivers’ license numbers, insurance policy information, license plate numbers, and make and model of the vehicles. Again, do not admit fault. 5 Call the police to report the accident. This is generally required by state law and a necessary step if you file a report with your insurance company.

What to do after a minor car accident?

Always be prepared. Taking the correct course of action helps keep you and your wallet safe.

How to avoid traffic collisions?

If there are signs, immediately contact emergency medical attention. If it’s safe to do so, move your car out of the hazard zone and onto the shoulder of the road. This will help prevent traffic blockages or further collisions. Exchange contact information with all other drivers involved in the accident.

What are the most common injuries in a car accident?

Of the most common car accident injuries, many can occur in minor accidents. These include breaks and fractures, lacerations, concussions, and even traumatic brain injuries. People involved in fender benders are especially susceptible to whiplash.

Can a fender bender affect your insurance?

In a minor car accident, little damage to your car can still mean a lot of damage to your health and your wallet. Knowing how a fender bender can affect you, your auto insurance, and your health will help you prepare to handle the situation in the best way possible.

What to do if you have an accident with your insurance company?

Call the police to report the accident. This is generally required by state law and a necessary step if you file a report with your insurance company. While the advice provided here is broadly applicable, the precise steps you follow could vary depending on the type of car accident you’ve been involved in.

Can you avoid a fender bender?

Minor car accidents are common, and sometimes there’s nothing you can do to avoid a fender bender. Whether it’s your fault or not, traffic accidents are a stressful experience. There’s usually some confusion about exactly what happened, and even more about what to do next. Being prepared and knowing what to do after a minor accident will help ...

What is a fender bender, exactly?

You’ve probably heard the term before, but what is a fender bender? According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the term refers to “a minor automobile accident.”

Top reasons fender benders happen

Fender benders are so common because it doesn’t take much to get into a minor accident. Your attention strays for a second when seeing an incoming text and suddenly you rear-end the person in front of you. Here are some common fender bender examples.

How to report a fender bender and file a claim

Even if you stay on your A-game while driving, that doesn’t account for other people. Other drivers could be distracted and within mere seconds end up hitting you just enough for some bumper damage. Whether you’re at-fault or the other party is, here’s what to do in a fender bender.

What to do after filing a car insurance claim for a fender bender

After filing a claim for a fender bender, get the claim processed and pay your deductible. Once that happens, you may be eligible to receive funds to cover repair costs.

How to prevent fender benders

Fender benders are no fun to deal with. On one hand, you’re likely safe and okay, but on the other hand, you now have paperwork and repairs to deal with. Sometimes these things are out of your control but if you want to prevent fender benders, you can take some proactive measures.

The bottom line

Figuring out what to do in a fender bender can be stressful, but following these steps can make the process smoother. Fender benders are nobody’s cup of tea, but they’re quite common. You can do your part to stay safe on the road and if you find yourself dealing with a fender bender, contact your insurance right away.

1. What Should I Do After a Minor Car Accident?

Most (if not all) of the recommended steps at car accident scene apply here. But specifically, what you’re going to do depends a lot on the context.

Do I Need to Report a Minor Car Accident?

One thing that commonly happens in minor accidents is that the damage repair cost is lower than the insurance deductible. Often one driver prefers to pay out of pocket for damages instead of face the potential of increased premiums due to claims.

Will My Car Insurance Premiums Go Up if I Report a Fender Bender?

There is not really a consensus when it comes to answering this question. Ask one person and they’ll say it absolutely does every time, ask someone else and they may say no, or it depends.

Summary

Though most minor car accidents don’t involve major personal injuries, they can be aggravating and cause unnecessary stress headaches.

What is a fender bender?

Fender-benders are the most common car accidents, usually involving vehicle damages and no reported injuries. Even minor accidents are stressful and inconvenient. Knowing what to do after a fender-bender will save time, money, and further aggravation.

What information do police need to exchange with other drivers?

If the police allow it, write down the driver’s full name, contact information, and the name and telephone number of the driver’s insurance company.

How long does it take for whiplash to be felt?

The effects of whiplash, sprains, and strains are often not felt until hours or even days after a collision. Delays often allow insurance companies to argue that the collision did not cause the injuries. Insurance companies love denying claims because the injured person delayed their medical treatment.

What is an accident report?

The accident report includes information on the drivers and passengers, a diagram of the scene, citations issued, insurance information and the officer’s opinion of fault. Insurance adjusters give great weight to police reports.

What to do after a minor car accident?

To start this process, a property damage claim needs to be filed with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Contact the other driver’s insurance company and get a claim number.

Is an auto accident considered a minor accident?

Generally speaking, an auto accident is considered to be minor when it results in minor to no injuries and vehicle damage valued at $500 or less.

What to do if you are injured in an accident?

Call 911 if someone needs medical attention. If no one is injured, you can call the local police to report the accident. The police may send out an officer, or direct you to the station to file a report. Be sure to ask how you can get a copy of the police report (your insurance company will likely need it).

How to report an accident to Allstate?

Reporting the accident to your agent will get the claim process going. Many companies (like Allstate) have a website where you can monitor the progress of your claim, but here's what you can typically expect: 1 Call your insurance company.#N#It is important to notify your insurance company right away so they can set up a claim for you and start the investigation into your accident and damage to your vehicle as soon as possible. 2 Get an estimate.#N#You will need to have the cost to repair your vehicle estimated. The insurance company may send an adjusted to look at the damage to your vehicle, or you may need to go to a repair shop or, if available, one the insurer's drive-in locations. Depending on your insurer, you may also be able to submit photos of the damage and then receive an estimate online or by phone. 3 Choose a repair facility.#N#If you don't have a shop in mind, you can ask your insurer for a recommendation. But, remember that the choice of a repair shop is ultimately up to you. 4 Pay your deductible.#N#You'll have to pay the deductible on your policy before your insurance will kick in for repair costs. But if the other driver was responsible for the accident, your insurer may be able to pursue that party to recover your deductible (state laws vary on how this is done).

Can you get a baby back in a new car?

An accident is never any fun. And, yes, it can temporarily take the bloom off having a new car. But getting a claim filed promptly and properly can help you get your baby back out on the road quicker, so you can enjoy that new-car feeling again.

What to do if you have a fender bender?

2. Call the police. We get it — it can feel silly to involve the police in something as seemingly minor as a fender bender. But a police report can be an essential part of filing an insurance claim, so if everyone’s in okay shape, call the police non-emergency line (use 911 if there are injuries or severe damage).

What to do when you get in an accident?

It happens: When the shock of an accident sets in, you may lose sight of what’s happening in the present moment. Take a moment to check yourself and any passengers for injuries, and, if you’re able, move your car to a safe spot. 2.

Do you have a phone in your pocket?

Not only do you have a phone in your pocket — chances are, just about everyone else in the vicinity does too, and it’s very possible someone else recorded evidence of your accident. But even if no one nearby captured a photo or video of the incident, bystanders may be able to tell you about details you somehow missed, like which way the driver went after the accident or identifying characteristics about their car.

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