What to Do After a Minor Car Accident

When you experience a car accident, it is important to understand that while it may seem like a minor event at the time, an injury can still present itself after the incident is over. Don’t assume that all is well simply because you feel fine at that moment.

Follow these steps to know what to do after a minor car accident. Any automobile accident, even one that doesn’t seem like a major crash, should be taken seriously. There are several steps that every driver and passenger, when applicable, should take immediately following the incident. When you’ve been involved in a car accident of any degree, make sure you follow these guidelines set out below.

Check for injuries

While not all injuries are apparent right away, if you do notice a clear and immediate injury, getting the proper care for such injuries is important and should be looked after immediately. With any apparent injury, medical assistance should be sought at the scene of the accident. Calling 911 can summon the required assistance promptly. Also stay alert for any health changes over time, since injuries may appear slowly due to the adrenaline and fear from the initial crash that may numb or dull injuries inside the body. 

Take photos and/or videos of the accident promptly

Once any immediate injury has been assessed, taking photos of the cars at the crash scene right after the accident can be a critical piece of evidence later used to determine fault. Take photos or videos of both cars from many different angles, as well as photos of the street and surrounding scene.

Move vehicles off the street when possible

If your car is still operational, move the vehicle off of the highway or roadway to allow the continued flow of traffic. If there is a shoulder available, pull off as far as you safely can. Better yet, if there is an accessible parking area, this would be the ideal spot to keep the streets free from disabled vehicles and prevent further injury to yourself from passing cars. 

Call authorities to file an accident report

No matter what the other driver suggests or demands, always call the proper law enforcement authorities, however minor it may appear to be. In Atlanta, 3-1-1 is the primary phone number for government information and non-emergency services—or you may dial the Atlanta Police Department’s non-emergency line at (404) 614-6544. After being involved in any car accident, you can also dial 9-1-1 at any time to get a police officer dispatched to the scene, even if it’s not an emergency.

Tell the dispatcher that you were involved in a minor collision and that nobody appears to have been injured. This way, they know to only send a police officer to the scene to write the accident report, rather than call an ambulance as well. Don’t accept any agreements to keep it off the record and never accept any cash payment to let it go. It is vital to safeguard your legal rights for both insurance and personal reasons. Your insurance, likewise, will not cover damages in most situations without an official accident report being filed.

Don’t accept or admit blame for the crash

While you should never offer the other driver a statement of fault, you also should not apologize for the accident, as this implies you accept fault. Stay calm and courteous while you await proper authorities to the scene. Knowing what to do after a minor car accident is knowing that you never admit blame in anyway, even if you feel partially responsible. In an accident, our natural empathy may create a false narrative in our own heads. Allow the police officer to come to his own conclusions and answer questions honestly in a short manner. 

Get contact and insurance information

Once you have moved off the roadway, when possible, exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver right away. Keep the exchange professional and on-topic. Be sure to get their name, address, a contact phone number and write down their insurance information. Include the company and its phone number, as well as their policy number. If there are passengers in the other vehicle, ask for their contact information as well, should they need to provide statements at a later time.

Stay at the accident scene until cleared to leave

Never flee an accident scene once law enforcement has been called, no matter how minor the incident feels to you. Leaving the scene is actually a criminal offense and you should remain with your vehicle unless your injuries require you to be taken by ambulance to the hospital for treatment. In this case, law enforcement will be able to contact you there.

Notify your auto insurer

Once initial actions have been taken, call your own car insurance provider right away and give them the information on the accident. No matter which driver is considered at-fault, you need to notify your insurer immediately to protect yourself and any claims made against your carrier. 

Consult an experienced car accident lawyer

You may have injuries that don’t present right away. There may be more costly damages than what it seems once car repairs begin. These steps to what to do after a minor car accident matter, but contacting a car accident attorney will be the only way of assuring your rights are being protected.

Calling a lawyer that specializes in auto accidents can make a huge difference in the outcome of an insurance claim and what can be awarded to you after the initial shock of the accident subsides. 

Unsure What to Do After a Minor Car Accident? We Can Help.

Never take on an insurance company alone. They are looking out for themselves and will offer the least amount possible to settle and close a claim. Our team at Scholle Law will look out for you and your rights and ensure you receive a fair offer from the insurance company involved.

Call us at (866) 592-1296 or  today for a free, no-obligation consultation. 

FAQs

Do I need to report a minor car accident to the police if no one is injured?

Yes, it is important to report all car accidents to the police, even if they seem minor and no one appears injured. A police report can be crucial for insurance claims and legal protection.

Yes, you should always see a doctor after a car accident, even if you feel fine. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent and could develop days or weeks later.

Keep the conversation brief and factual. Exchange contact and insurance information, but avoid discussing fault or apologizing, as this could be used against you later.

You should notify your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident. Prompt reporting helps protect your rights and ensures your insurance coverage is in effect.

If your car is operational and it’s safe to do so, you should move your vehicle out of traffic to prevent further accidents. However, try to take photos of the scene before moving the car if possible.

While not always necessary, consulting with a car accident lawyer can be beneficial, especially if you suspect there may be hidden injuries, complicated insurance claims, or potential legal issues.

It is generally not advisable to settle without involving your insurance company. Even if the damage seems minor, having an official record and going through the proper channels protects you from potential future claims or disputes.