Driving safely can help you avoid car crashes, but just as crucial is knowing what to do if you get into one, and it starts with stopping your car. Then, check for injuries, dial 911 if there's anyone hurt, or call the police, even if it's only a minor fender bender. From there, gather pertinent information and tell your vehicle coverage provider what happened.
Knowing and taking all those steps, regardless of how minor a fender bender it is, is particularly crucial for the claims process and your own health and safety.
Remember: Some injuries can occur at low speeds and have delayed symptoms. Whiplash, a type of neck injury that can cause localized, radiating, and referred pain, is one example. It can occur at speeds under 14 miles per hour, notes Patient.info.
Are Fender Benders Dangerous?
Fender benders, often classed as "minor" incidents, usually don't cause initial severe injuries. However, they can still result in problems like whiplash injuries. If ignored and left untreated, whiplash can worsen and pose more serious safety risks.
An article published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine even talks about whiplash-associated disorder (WAD) and how 38% of people with WAD reported residual headaches and neck pain after one year.
Delayed pain and symptoms may also happen after a crash, often resulting from the sudden influx of the hormones adrenaline and endorphins. They act as natural painkillers, occurring as part of the body's survival instincts.
Having more of these hormones in one's system can make someone feel little pain for hours, sometimes even days, after a crash. It can create a false sense of safety when, in reality, there may be internal injuries that require immediate medical attention.
What Type of Vehicle Coverage Covers Minor Fender Benders?
Several types of vehicle coverage help pay for the damage caused by a fender bender, usually based on the findings of the fault determination process. It also depends on the incident's location, as state insurance laws and requirements vary.
Property Damage Liability
Property damage liability kicks in if the crash is due to the policyholder's negligence or fault. The at-fault driver's policy should cover the repairs to the other party's car.
Most states require property damage liability, which is why it's a core, standard inclusion, whether from providers offering California, New York, or Florida car insurance policy options.
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage covers the repairs for a policyholder's own vehicle if they cause a minor fender bender or if they hit a stationary object (fence or pole). Unlike property damage liability, it's optional under state laws.
If you finance or lease your car, however, your lender or lessor may require you to get collision coverage.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) Coverage
UMPD helps pay for necessary car repairs if a driver without or lacking adequate auto insurance is behind the damage. It's optional in some states (California and Texas), while it's mandatory in others (Maryland).
What Steps Should You Take Immediately Following a Minor Fender Bender?
Stopping your car is the first step to take immediately after a fender bender (or any other collision). You can also maneuver it to the side if it's possible and safer to avoid traffic and congestion. Do this even if the crash is minor, not only because it's the law but also because it's ethical.
If you continue driving, even if you're not at fault, you may face a hit-and-run charge. Some states refer to this as "failure to stop and render aid" or "leaving the scene of an accident."
Once you've stopped, do the following.
Check for Injuries
Check yourself for any visible injuries. Do the same to your passengers, and then the people in the other involved vehicles. If there's anyone injured, dial 911 and request help.
Call the Police
Call the police and tell them what happened. It's best to do this even if the fender bender didn't cause any injuries, as you may need a copy of the police report to support your vehicle coverage claim.
Gather Pertinent Information
Exchange details with all other involved drivers. Ask for the following (and provide them the same):
- Complete name
- Current contact details
- License number
- Vehicle information
- Insurance information (e.g., issuer and policy number)
Take photos and videos of the scene, including the vehicles involved, all property damage, and road conditions. Speak to witnesses, too, and ask for their contact information.
Call Your Vehicle Coverage Provider
Most auto insurance policies require accident reporting for every incident, regardless of the severity. Fulfill this by calling your vehicle coverage provider and informing them of the minor fender bender. Do this even if you gauge the repair estimates to be low enough not to require filing a claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Coverage Should You Have On Your Vehicle?
Nearly all states have minimum legal requirements for bodily injury and property damage liability. They vary, though, so be sure to check with your home state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or Department of Insurance.
Although optional, you should also consider getting other coverage types like rental car reimbursement, comprehensive, or gap insurance. They can provide some level of financial protection if you find yourself with a badly damaged or totaled car.
Is Vehicle Coverage Mandatory in All U.S. States?
No, it's not, but all states require motorists to be financially responsible for damages they cause while driving.
As noted by a Jalopnik article published on Yahoo, the only state where car insurance isn't mandatory is New Hampshire. Still, many drivers here opt for it because, legally, they must prove they're financially capable of paying for car crash damages they cause. Otherwise, they may face a license suspension.
Because purchasing car insurance is an easy option to prove one's financial capacity, NH drivers choose it over the threat of having their license suspended.
Don't Skip Any of These Steps After a Fender Bender
A fender bender may not seem serious at first, but you should still know what to do if you get involved in one, including stopping your car, checking for injuries, and calling 911, the police, and your vehicle coverage provider. With this knowledge, you can remain calm and methodical as you navigate the incident's aftermath.
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