What To Do If You Are Involved In A Minor Car Accident?

Nearly all drivers will be involved in a minor car accident at some point in their lives. It could be something as simple as backing into another car in a parking lot or pulling in too close and snapping off someone else’s side mirror.

Although there often aren’t any injuries during a minor car accident, it’s still not a pleasant experience, and it can be difficult to focus and remember how to react in the aftermath. In this article, we’ll be looking at what to do if you are involved in a minor car accident.

1. Move your car to the side of the road and away from any other traffic. If there has been any significant damage to any of the cars involved in the accident, remember to turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers of potential debris on the road.

2. Turn off your engine, shift to park and apply the handbrake. Make sure you are safe to exit your vehicle before you leave it. If you are at the side of a busy freeway and your vehicle is not badly damaged, it is safer to stay in it.

3. Check yourself for injuries and check for any injuries on any of your passengers. Certain injuries, such as whiplash and concussions, can initially present with limited symptoms, which gradually get worse over time. If you or anyone else is experiencing any joint or neck pain, dizziness, nausea, or problems breathing, then call 911 immediately.

4. Call the police. If the police have not been called, do so immediately. You must give the police your exact location and request help reporting a traffic accident on the road. Many insurance companies rely heavily on police reports from the accident scene when filing claims and the lack of one may delay your insurance claim. If there is any evidence of a crime, such as drunk driving or speeding, the police will need to asses who is responsible for the accident and take action accordingly. In Nevada, police often will not visit a minor accident site, especially one without injuries.  If there are any injuries requiring an ambulance or evidence of a crime, they must be called.  Otherwise, you are alone and must diligently obtain all pertinent information.

5. Remember to request the other parties’ information. Be as detailed as possible when documenting what happened. Some of the information you will likely need to acquire is as follows:

• Full names of drivers and passengers
• Full names and numbers of witnesses, if needed
• License plate number
• Driver’s license number
• Makes/models of vehicle
• Phone numbers
• Insurance carrier
• Name and badge number of a police officer
• Police report number

6. Check your car for damage and take pictures of everything, including the scene. It’s also a good idea to take photos of the nearby street signs and any damage inflicted on any other party’s car.

Remember to stay calm and follow these basic steps if you find yourself in a minor car accident. Being in an accident is always an unpleasant experience, but by following these guidelines you can help to achieve the best possible outcome from an unfortunate situation.