A fender bender can be considered to be a pretty minor type of car accident. Typically, a fender bender is a car accident that takes place at a slower speed with minimal complications. Injuries are still possible as well as damage to your vehicle. Simply because a fender bender is considered a less severe car accident doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be aware of what you should do if you ever find yourself in this situation.
A collision of any kind can be shocking, especially if you’ve never been in an accident before. Here’s a rundown of what you should do if you get into a fender bender.
Take Note of Any Injuries
While a fender bender is typically pretty mild, it is still very possible that you can become injured as a result. Neck and back injuries can present themselves after a fender bender. From herniated disks to whiplash, be careful not to brush off any potentially serious injuries.
If you think you may have suffered injuries, we definitely recommend that you seek medical care and collect coordinating documentation.
Call The Police
Depending on the cause of the fender bender, there may be more serious issues at play. While alerting the authorities of a fender bender is not necessarily required by law in Florida, it is recommended for car accidents of any kind.
A police report can certainly add to any documentation you may need as you seek compensation from your insurance company.
Gather Information and Photos
Even a minor car accident can leave your car with damages. It’s important to treat this like any other accident. Take photos and any notes that might be helpful once you speak with your insurance provider. It might seem a bit overkill, but there’s no such thing as too many details when it comes to dealing with insurance adjusters.
Consider specific details such as road conditions, distracted drivers, and the like. Insurance companies will do anything in their power to minimize your settlement, it’s important to be well prepared.
Consult With An Attorney + Contact Your Insurance Company
We recommend that you find an attorney to help you during this process. Insurance adjusters are well versed in tactics that will keep settlement money out of your hands. Injuries, property damage, and time spent dealing with the aftermath of a fender bender can leave you in a bit of financial hardship. Odds are that if you file a claim and plan to handle the situation on your own, you might miss out on compensation.
If you’re interested in exploring your options when it comes to legal representation, contact us today for a case evaluation.
Our attorneys at Pipas Law Group are skilled and experienced in working closely with insurance companies. We know what it takes to get you a fair settlement.
