Even though fender benders and other minor car crashes seem insignificant, they are a significant source of injuries to the neck, head and spine such as whiplash, torn muscles and ligaments, traumatic brain injury (TBI) and broken bones.
Get Checked Out
While most injuries will cause pain immediately, it may take time for some soft-tissue and brain injuries to fully emerge. That is why it is always critical to get checked out by a doctor after any motor vehicle accident and to follow any instructions you receive to optimize your recovery.
In addition to causing bodily injury, even minor car crashes can cause major consequences for vehicles such as:
- Alignment, suspension and steering problems
- Transmission and engine damage
- Bent vehicle frame, dents and gouges in the paint job that lead to rusted areas
These damages are significant issues that can negatively affect your vehicle’s longevity and performance.
What To Do After A Fender Bender
Even if you are in a low-speed crash or fender bender that you think is minor, it is important to:
- Get the name, address, phone number, email and insurance information of the driver that hit you
- Notify law enforcement about the accident and get a report
- If possible, take pictures of the accident site and damage
- Get medical attention
This way, you will have the information you need for your insurance carrier as well as any future civil litigation you may pursue.
After what seems to be a minor car crash, remember not to let the other driver convince you that the accident is no big deal. After reporting the accident and getting medical attention, assess the full scope of your vehicle’s damage with a car repair professional.
