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How To Handle Minor Auto Accidents

17 August 2022 by Yolanda Lane

Once you have been involved in an auto accident, you might take exception to the term "minor." All car accidents have the potential to disrupt your life and cost you money. Unfortunately, some victims decide that their accident is not worth dealing with. Read on and find out why even a minor accident deserves proper handling. 

Some Not So Minor Problems

The vehicles made today do an excellent job of preventing serious injuries. Restraint systems and airbags that surround the occupants of today's vehicles have reduced the incidences of injuries and deaths when a crash occurs.

However, there are things that no amount of safety equipment can cover. Even when the damage to a vehicle is slight, occupants can experience bumps, bruises, whiplash, mental trauma, soreness, headaches, and more. It's vital that victims go to the emergency room and get themselves checked out by a doctor. Some injuries are not apparent immediately so seek help if you notice any issues in the hours and days after an accident. The sudden impact of a car crash can affect the body in many ways, and some of them are extremely serious and even deadly.

Tips After an Accident

No matter how damaged or intact your vehicle might now be, take a crash seriously and take the right actions. Follow these tips on coping with an accident, no matter how minor you might believe it to be:

1. Watch what you say at the scene. Speak to law enforcement and medical personnel only. Never say you are sorry or that you are "fine."
2. Obtain the accident report once it's ready. This report will have a summary of how the accident occurred, among other things.
3. Take photos if you can. Bearing any injuries, take photos of your vehicle, the other vehicle, and all your injuries as they become more apparent. Bruises can fade quickly so act fast.
4. Begin keeping an accident journal. As soon as you can after the accident, begin writing down everything you remember about the accident. Your memory may fade but you may also suddenly remember details better as time goes on. Use the journal every day and date your entries.
5. Speak only to your own insurance agent. Call your insurance company to report the accident and follow their instructions on how to handle your vehicle damage. Be sure you know who you are speaking to when you speak to anyone about the accident. The insurance company for the at-fault driver will probably send you a letter and/or phone you to talk about the accident. Don't do it. What you say could damage your claim for the compensation you deserve.

Speak to a personal injury law firm, such as Smith Morgan, LLP, as soon as you can, no matter how minor your accident seemed to be. They can advise you on what your next move should be.

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