What to do after a minor car accident

The automobile is a pervasive feature of American life, and a requirement for many. Since an average of 6 million car accidents are reported to the police annually, ranging from fender benders to fatal collisions, every driver should know what to do after a minor car accident: call the police, document the incident, and exchange information with other parties.

Even if it’s a small car accident, it’s still crucial to follow certain steps at the scene and after you leave. Doing so can help you substantiate your insurance claim, avoid additional traffic problems, or even identify and allow for the stabilization of hidden injuries.

Knowing what to do after minor car accidents can make all the difference. Take a closer look at the steps you should take following a car crash, from immediate safety measures to who you can call to insurance and claims.

What to do after a minor car accident: Safety steps

The safety of all drivers, passengers, and pedestrians involved in a car accident should always be the first priority. This means taking steps to avoid any additional collisions and alerting other motorists by:

• Moving your vehicle out of the path of traffic, if possible
• Turning on your hazard lights

Once it’s safe to do so, check yourself and any passengers for injuries. Keep in mind that certain injuries, particularly those involving the neck and head, may not be apparent at first because the adrenaline and other hormones released after impact can temporarily reduce the awareness of pain. For example, a rear-end or side-impact collision can cause whiplash or concussion with delayed symptoms.

What to do after a minor accident: At the scene

The steps taken at the scene of the crash are crucial and shouldn’t be taken lightly no matter how minor the accident seems at the moment. Here’s what you should do after ensuring the safety of yourself and others:

1. Call the police

Even if no one seems to be hurt and automobile damage appears to be very minor, it’s often a good idea to call the police anyway. Some people believe they know what to do after a minor car accident and shrug this off, but a report from law enforcement can go a long way toward supporting any insurance claim. This is especially true and legally required if it’s a hit-and-run incident in New Jersey, and in most other states.

Most states require motorists to contact the police if damage is valued above a certain level; that threshold is $1,000 in Massachusetts, and it’s not always clear how much damage may be hidden. You’re also required in every state to file a police report if there are any injuries, which also may not be apparent at first.

2. Document the scene

Documenting what happened soon after a crash, instead of relying on your memory later, is a smart way to protect your interests, regardless of fault. Consider the following when documenting a car accident:

• Snap photos. Take a picture of damage to all vehicles involved, the scene of the incident (such as tire marks), license plates, and how each vehicle is positioned (make a sketch of this if the vehicles have been moved)
• Take detailed notes. Be sure to write down information such as what you were doing, your direction, your speed, weather and road conditions, how the accident unfolded, what you saw, shocks to your body, and anything you may have heard from witnesses
• Get information from the police. Write down the names and badge numbers of all responding police officers, if applicable, and ask how you can get a copy of their report later

3. Exchange information with the other driver(s)

Calmly exchange pertinent information with the other party(ies), without admitting or discussing fault. Even saying something as simple as, “Oh, I didn’t see you,” can imply fault; let the evidence speak for itself. The information exchanged should include:

• The name, address, phone number, and email of everyone involved (note that if you're involved in an accident in certain states, such as California, you also need to exchange driver's license numbers)
• The name and contact information of each driver’s insurer, including their policy number
• Vehicle information, including make, model, year, color, and license plate number
• The registered vehicle owner’s name and address if it’s someone other than the driver

What to do after a minor car accident: After leaving the scene

Assuming you feel fine and your car is operational after a minor accident, you’ll probably either continue to your original destination or head back home. Keep in mind that you’ll have follow-up tasks to complete in the days after a crash. This can differ depending on the extent of your injuries and vehicle damage, and state law, but you should:

1. Monitor for any injuries you may have sustained

Even if you feel fine right after the accident, monitor how you feel for the days, weeks, and months after. Symptoms don’t always present themselves right away, especially for the types of physical injuries that are common in even minor car accidents, such as:

• Whiplash
• Concussion
• Back and spine injuries
• Soft-tissue injuries
• Bruised ribs
• Wrist and ankle injuries

Head injuries can be elusive; pay attention to concussion symptoms such as headaches, nausea, fatigue, blurry vision, ringing in the ears, or confusion. Also, make note of any signs of depression, stress, or other psychological pain you may have sustained as a result of the accident.

2. Report the accident with your state’s DMV

Many states require you to file an incident report if there are injuries, damage over a certain monetary amount, or other conditions. But since it’s not always clear whether an incident meets these thresholds, it’s often worth erring on the side of caution. These reports can also back you up in the event of a factual dispute or accident lawsuit.

Here are the reporting requirements for select northeastern states:

3. Call your insurance company and file a claim

It’s not always necessary to file a claim, especially if there is no tangible vehicle damage or injury to report, but contacting your insurance company after a small car accident is still advised. If you’re not sure whether you need to file a claim, your agent can help facilitate the process and answer any questions you may have. In fact, your insurance policy may require you to report your accident within a specified time period.

Find an independent agent who can provide the auto coverage you need

Knowing what to do after a minor car accident is a great way to protect your interests, not least of which is the safety of you and your passengers. Want more peace of mind? Find an independent insurance agent who will get you the coverage you need and help you through difficult experiences.

Legal Disclaimer: The views of the author are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Plymouth Rock. This article is intended to provide general insurance information. It is not intended to constitute professional legal advice, nor should it be relied on as legal advice. References to state or federal legal requirements may not be current, as laws regularly change through legislation, regulations, and case law. If you have questions, you should seek the advice of a licensed insurance agent or an attorney licensed to practice in your jurisdiction. Actual insurance coverage is subject to the policy as issued.