Imagine you are driving slowly through a parking lot or in traffic on the roadway and someone taps your rear bumper with their front bumper. You are likely surprised and unsure of what to do in a fender bender like this. There are some steps you can take to manage the situation effectively.
What is a Fender Bender?
A fender bender typically involves low-speed collisions with minimal damage, often to the fenders of the vehicles involved. Think of it as a small bump or scrape rather than a serious crash.
While these car accidents are small, they are not without complications. You can still experience injuries and property damage from a fender bender car accident.
Do I Need to Call the Police After a Minor Auto Accident?
According to South Carolina law, you may not always be required to call the police after a small car accident like a fender bender. If no parties appear to be physically injured and there is only minor damage to the vehicles (under $1,000 in damage), calling the police is optional.
However, just because you aren’t required to call the police doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. There’s no way to know if you’re injured until hours and sometimes days after a car accident. Some injuries like whiplash don’t show up immediately.
Similarly, property damage may seem small, but the total cost of repair can quickly add up. If your property damage is over $1,000, which is entirely possible even with small dents and dings, the insurance company may deny your claim if you didn’t file a police report.
It’s best to call the police department non-emergency line if you are involved in a fender bender and believe there are no injuries.
5 Steps to Take After an Upstate SC Fender Bender
If you are involved in a fender bender in Upstate SC, remain calm. Contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Also, take the following steps to get compensation for your damages and move forward after an accident.
1. Safety First
Ensure everyone involved is okay. Check for injuries and call emergency services if necessary. Move your vehicle to a safe location if possible, away from traffic.
2. Gather Information
Exchange information with the other driver(s), including names, contact details, insurance information, and license plate numbers. If there are witnesses, get their contact information as well.
Note the date, time, and location of the accident. Take photos of the accident scene, including damage to both vehicles, license plates, and road conditions. If anyone was visibly injured, take pictures of the injuries as well.
3. Call the Police
Call the police to report the accident, even if it seems minor. A police report can be valuable for insurance claims. Don’t admit fault to the other driver or the police officer. Instead, remain factual while making your report and ask for medical services, if necessary.
4. Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to report the accident. Many car insurance companies require you to notify them within a specified amount of time after an accident. If you miss that deadline, you may risk having your claim denied.
Provide the insurance company with the necessary details and any documentation you have. You can also allow your car accident lawyer to handle this step so you don’t risk saying something that may be misconstrued. Even your own insurance company will do anything possible to avoid paying for damages.
5. Continue Documenting Damages
Take additional photos of the damage to your vehicle, focusing on specific details. It’s likely that once you get home, you will notice more damage than you initially saw when the fender bender happened.
Obtain estimates for repairs from reputable auto body shops. Get multiple estimates so that you have an average of what your property damage costs will be.
If you have injuries that pop up after you leave the scene of the accident, go to the doctor or document them carefully. You need to establish a baseline for the severity of your injuries so you can get compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses.
What Type of Compensation Can I Get After a Fender Bender?
Even though a fender bender might seem minor, you might be entitled to compensation. The type and amount of compensation will depend on the specific circumstances of the accident, your injuries, and the applicable laws in South Carolina.
You can generally get compensation for the following:
- Vehicle Repair Costs: This is typically the most common form of compensation for a fender bender.
- Medical Expenses: If you sustained injuries, even minor ones, you can claim for medical treatments, prescriptions, and other related costs.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevented you from working, you might be eligible for compensation for lost income.
- Pain and Suffering: If you experienced significant pain or emotional distress, you might be able to claim for pain and suffering.
- Property Damage: If items in your car were damaged, such as a child’s car seat, you might be able to claim for their repair or replacement.
You can typically get more money when you work with an Upstate SC auto accident lawyer who can guide you through the process of getting the compensation you deserve.
Victim of a Fender Bender in Upstate SC? Contact Venus Poe Today.
Attorney Venus Poe has helped countless people who were the victims of small car accidents like fender benders. We know the situation can be confusing and difficult to navigate. Don’t deal with it alone. Contact us today!