After a minor car accident, you need to document the scene, see a medical professional, and talk to a lawyer. You should always get legal help after a car accident, even a minor one, as a lawyer can help you recover the full amount of your losses. A car accident lawyer can also look for additional sources of financial compensation.
Ultimately, working with an attorney gives you the best chance of having a satisfactory resolution to your case. You can discuss your situation with a legal professional to learn about your rights and options.
“Minor” Accidents Can Still Be Serious
Many times after a “minor” accident, you realize that the crash was much more severe than you initially expected. Many types of vehicle damage can stay hidden and non-obvious.
What may look like a small dent on the outside could mean significant structural damage on the inside. Problems with tires, suspension, steering, and vehicle frames can stay hidden until they cause more severe problems.
Injuries can also be hidden. For example, neck injuries or concussions are known for producing delayed symptoms. You may feel okay in the immediate aftermath of an accident but discover a severe injury weeks or even months down the road. These delayed injuries can have a massive long-term impact on your health and employment.
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Report the Incident
The first thing you should do after any accident is report it to the police. Once the police arrive, they will create an official accident report. The report contains basic information about the crash, including the time, date, involved parties, and a cursory overview of damages and injuries.
The police report is an important piece of evidence proving that the accident happened. Ask the responding officer where you can obtain a copy. Most police departments allow you to request reports online or in person.
Document the Scene
Once the police have arrived and you’ve received any necessary emergency medical attention, start documenting the scene. Get pictures of any vehicle damage, road hazards, and your injuries. You should also make a note of any environmental conditions that contributed to the crash, like weather or lighting.
If possible, get contact information from any eyewitnesses. If the crash happened on a residential or commercial street, you could inquire if anyone has security camera footage. Lastly, you should get the contact and insurance information of the other driver. The more information you have, the better, so be as thorough with documentation as you can.
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Get Medical Attention
Even though an accident might seem minor, you need to see a doctor afterward. Accidents may seem less serious only because they create hidden injuries with delayed symptoms. A doctor can give you a clean bill of health and identify possible injuries before they progress and get worse.
While at the doctor’s office, get hard copies of your medical documentation, including lab reports, intake paperwork, doctor’s notes, imaging results, and diagnostic tests. You’ll need proof of your condition when you go to make an injury claim.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
Next, you should contact your insurance providers and notify them of the accident. Even if you weren’t responsible, your insurance company may still require you to report crashes to maintain coverage. If you live in a no-fault auto insurance state, you’ll need to contact your insurer to use your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.
You must also contact your insurance company if you want to use your comprehensive collision coverage to pay for body damage. Most insurance companies require you to report accidents within a certain time period.
Seek Legal Representation
After seeing a doctor and contacting your insurance company, you should look for a lawyer. A legal professional can guide you in the next steps of making a claim and handling communications with the insurance company. A lawyer can also represent you in negotiations with the insurance adjuster.
You don’t legally need a lawyer to file an insurance claim, but a lawyer can provide invaluable legal and administrative support. By hiring a lawyer, you are giving yourself a much better chance of achieving a satisfactory resolution.
Mistakes to Avoid After a Minor Car Accident
In addition to following the above steps, you should also avoid the following mistakes after a minor car accident:
- Waiting too long to get medical attention
- Not following an injury treatment plan
- Not obtaining copies of medical records
- Failing to document the accident scene
- Talking to the insurance company without an attorney
- Not keeping receipts of your expenses and losses
- Posting about the case on social media
- Not contacting a personal injury lawyer
Postman Law: Your Trusted Car Accident Lawyers
Do you have more questions about what to do after a minor car accident? If so, contact the team at Postman Law today to schedule a consultation with a car accident lawyer. Consultations are free, and we don’t take a fee unless we win your case. We have recovered over $3 billion for our clients and want to help you next.