A small vehicle collision could cause damage or bump on your bumper. However, if you have hidden injuries that show symptoms days or weeks after the incident and have to pay large repair fees, it might potentially lead to a big legal struggle. In the event that a small auto accident results in monetary, physical, or psychological damage, consulting a lawyer can help you through the legal process of making an insurance claim.
The Legal Requirement to Report Small Vehicle Accidents
It is illegal in the majority of states to not report a car accident to the police, even if it is only a minor collision. Stepping into your automobile and taking off is when it becomes a citable offence. It makes no difference whether you don’t believe you were hurt or if the cars are undamaged. Even if it’s just a small vehicle collision, accidents are still accidents. Expensive personal things like mobile phones, child safety seats, and eyeglasses might sustain damage in a minor auto collision.
What Makes an Insignificant Auto Accident?
Car crashes classified as minors have a small impact and produce little in the way of damage or injury. For instance:
- Fender benders are low-speed crashes that cause minor damage to the front or back bumper.
- Parking lot incidents include small crashes, dings, and scrapes.
- Cars that make slight touch with the sides, usually at slower speeds, are said to be side swipes.
- Rear-end collisions: These happen slowly and can cause minor damage to the back of the car.
Additional elements that may affect a small auto accident’s cost
- It Could Be Your Fault: If the other driver files a claim against you, the other driver’s insurance company may argue that you were at fault in order to reduce your payout.
- Insurance Providers Won’t Support You: Even in cases where the accident was small, insurance companies may attempt to settle your third-party claim for far less than you deserve.
- Potential Wounds You Might Have Had: Injuries from minor auto accidents sometimes don’t show up for days or even weeks after the collision.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: A driver’s neck and muscles may shake back and forth as the car abruptly stops when they apply the brakes. Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries can be caused by these actions.
- Head Injuries: If you struck your head on the steering wheel when the other driver struck your car, you may have had a concussion.
- Unknown Injuries: Your doctor’s examination may uncover more underlying injuries from your auto accident, such as spinal or herniated discs.
How to Handle a Minor Auto Accident
- Put Your Safety First: Following an accident, your safety should come first. Inspect yourself for injuries, and if necessary, get emergency medical help.
- Speak with law enforcement: Inform the local police about the accident. If police arrive, they will record the event in a police report. If not, report the incident to the closest DMV.
- Information Sharing: Give the other drivers your contact and insurance details.
- Gather Proof: assemble photographic and video proof to back up your allegation that the other driver is at fault.
- Speak with an Attorney: Discuss the incident and develop a legal plan with an attorney before telling your insurance provider.
- Inform Your Insurance Provider: Notify your insurance company as soon as possible to start the claims procedure.
Selecting the Best Auto Accident Injury Lawyer: Important Things to Take into Account
A. Experience: The attorney needs to have dealt with instances similar to yours involving auto accidents.
B. Track Record: The attorney needs to have experience winning instances involving similar auto accidents.
C. Resources: To gather information, assess losses, and construct compelling arguments, the attorney needs to be well-equipped with a wide range of resources.
D. Testimonials: The majority of the former clients’ reviews should be favourable for the attorney.
Take Our Assistance
Give the NYlawnet car accident attorneys a call right now if you were in a minor collision. We are here for your family. On your behalf, we’ll put in endless effort to get you the money you deserve.