Getting into a fender bender is frequently the result of bad luck rather than poor driving. These slow-moving collisions are common in parking lots and driveways. Personal injuries are less prevalent in minor car accidents, and insurance claims are usually resolved quickly.


Even a minor vehicle collision is frightening and unexpected. A small amount of damage to your vehicle can be costly, and you don't want to be responsible for the costs of repair if it wasn't your fault. The following suggestions will help you remain calm and know what to do for a private settlement for a car accident.


Immediately Following a Car Collision


● Examine for injuries

Call an ambulance if you're not sure if you or your passengers are hurt. Some injuries sustained in car accidents are not immediately apparent.


● Keep an eye out for sparks or fire

Move away from the vehicle if you smell gasoline or see smoke. It's usual to observe dust in the air when the airbags are deployed.


● Do not obstruct traffic

If the collision is minor, pull your car off the road and into a safe area where you may speak with the other driver.


● Maintain your composure

After an accident, it's natural to be shocked or outraged. It's critical to keep your emotions under control. Don't point the finger at the other driver or apologize for your role in the collision.


● Exchange


Phone Numbers, Email Addresses, and Insurance Policy Information With the other drivers, exchange phone numbers, email addresses, and insurance policy information. It's a good idea to take a picture of the other driver's license and insurance card with your phone's camera. It will be easier to decipher information from a photo than from a hastily scribbled note after the accident. Get the names and contact details of any bystanders.


● Contact the authorities

It's critical to file a police report while the incident is still fresh in everyone's mind. In addition, several states have regulations that require the police to be called if someone is hurt or the damage exceeds a specific amount. A police report may also be required by your insurance carrier. Even if you were not at fault, you should read this report because stories tend to change after everyone has left the scene.


● Take Pictures

Take pictures of the accident site and the damage to both cars from as many angles as possible using the camera on your phone. Keep a close eye out for skid marks or other signs that the other car was at fault.


● There will be no negotiations on the side of the road

After a casualty, it's normal for feelings to run high. However, you don't want to swear that you won't file an insurance claim or that you won't call the cops.


● Refrain from leaving

You should never leave an accident scene without exchanging contact information with the other drivers. You must wait for the police to arrive if they are on their way. Criminal charges may be brought against you if you leave too soon.


● Make a phone call to your insurance company

Even if the collision was not your fault, report it to your auto insurance company. Your insurance card contains the phone number. Some insurance policies stipulate that if you do not report an accident immediately, you will be charged a higher premium.


Follow-up on Minor Accidents


Because you were in a minor collision, your automobile insurance rates will not immediately increase. Your carrier's response to the accident will be influenced by factors such as fault and the worth of the damage. Take the following actions to settle your claim in the days and weeks following your collision.


Obtain a copy of the accident report from the police or highway patrol office for your records. After you've calculated your losses, file a claim with the other driver's insurance company.


Every state-mandated that drivers get auto insurance. You may choose to bring a small claims action if you are hit by an uninsured driver. You may want to file a claim with your insurance company if you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. Even if none of the automobiles involved in the minor traffic collision have been damaged, it's still a good idea to phone your insurance company and inform them of the situation.


You'll have some evidence to back up your account of events if the other driver's tale changes over time. Consult an attorney about the handling of your auto accident claim. Even a little fender bender might take a long time to repair. Your life was already hectic before the accident, and now you must deal with the insurance company and arrange for car repairs. An expert vehicle accident lawyer can assist you with the heavy lifting that comes with filing a claim.