What To Do After A Minor Car Accident

Your Questions Answered

What Should I Do After A Minor Car Accident?

Unlike major or serious car accidents, minor accidents don’t result in life threatening injuries and the property damage that is sustained is usually minimal. It can consist of broken lights, dents, scratches, and other cosmetic issues that are not overly costly to repair.

However, minor car accidents should not go ignored and it’s important to know what to do if you’re ever involved in a minor car crash.

Let’s get into the details of what to be aware of and how you can protect your legal rights along the way.

Should I Call The Police After A Minor Crash?

Not always, and it really just depends on the circumstances of your minor car crash. If a minor car crash resulted in no injuries and the vehicles are still drivable and there was no drug or alcohol involved in the car crash, you generally don’t need to call the police to report the accident.

However, if someone is injured, if you believe the other driver was intoxicated or impaired, or if any of the involved vehicles are inoperable, you should call and report the car accident.

If the other driver or any other involved party is acting unruly or unreasonable, for example they don’t want to exchange insurance or the other driver is trying to flee, you should call the police to arrive at the scene as well.

The main benefit of reporting the minor car crash is a police report being filed. A police report can serve as additional evidence to help support your claim if the insurance companies dispute damages or losses you’ve sustained down the road.

Do I Need To Exchange Information With The Other Driver?

Yes. According to Colorado Law Section 42-4-1603(1), you must stop in the event of a car accident and you should always exchange information with the other driver if a car accident has occurred. If your vehicle has sustained damage, even if it’s as minor as scratches or a small dent, the other driver’s insurance company can be responsible for covering the cost of those damages.

When exchanging information with the other driver, be sure to exchange your name and contact information, including your phone number, your driver’s license number, your insurance company information and policy number, as well as general vehicle information, like the license plate and make and model.

Should I Take Photos Or Gather Evidence At The Scene?

You should always take photos and do your best to gather evidence, even after a minor car crash. Having evidence, including but not limited to photos, videos, witness statements, and a police report, can help dispute claims against liability that might pop up down the road.

Insurance companies are notorious for pushing back against claims and offering lowball payouts to save on costs, however, having the right evidence can help you stand your ground as you push back against lowball offers.

Should I See A Doctor After A Minor Accident?

Yes, you should consider seeing a doctor after your accident, even if the accident was minor. There are a number of common minor car accident injuries that can result from your accident. They can include bruising, whiplash and even head injuries. Adrenaline and shock from a car accident can mask symptoms of an injury, but a qualified healthcare professional can help determine if medical care is necessary.

If you are injured, seeking out medical care also helps establish proof to support your claims of injury when you report the accident to the insurance company.

When Should I Report A Minor Car Accident To My Insurance Company?

You should report your minor car accident to your insurance company after the car accident has occurred. However, refrain from giving recorded statements or written down statements as your words can be used against you to dismiss your claims down the line.

When speaking with insurance companies, stick to the facts and don’t overshare information. When in doubt, reach out to an experienced minor car accident attorney as they’ll know how to communicate with the insurance companies on your behalf.

What If The Other Driver Denies Fault Later?

Unfortunately, it’s quite common for other drivers to deny fault and even more so common that the at-fault driver’s insurance company will try to minimize your claim. If the other driver denies fault, presenting evidence, like video, pictures, and witness statements from the car crash, can help strengthen your case.

When Should I Contact A Car Accident Lawyer?

If you are finding that the aftermath following your minor car crash is becoming complicated and difficult to navigate, an experienced car accident attorney can help.

If you do reach out to an attorney, getting in touch immediately after the car accident is the best way to have critical evidence in your case preserved. It also makes it easier for your attorney to collect relevant evidence that will support your case and ensures you can exercise your rights before the statue of limitations is up as outlined in C.R.S. §  13-80-101.

At Bachus & Schanker, our attorneys can help sort out the facts of your accident and build a case rooted in evidence. This includes outlining all damages you may be entitled to, including losses from property damage, medical bills, lost income, and other losses.

As expert negotiators, our attorneys also know how to push back against low ball settlement offers, so you get the full compensation you deserve.

Can I Still Recover Compensation After A Minor Accident?

Yes, even if you are involved in a minor car accident, you are still able to pursue and recover compensatory damages, including economic and non-economic damages to recoup some of your losses.

The at-fault driver can be held responsible for any property damage you’ve sustained and their insurance company will pay out losses you’re owed. If you’ve also suffered injuries and required medical care, you can hold the other driver’s insurance company responsible for paying out those losses as well.

How Can Bachus & Schanker Help After A Minor Car Accident?

At Bachus & Schanker, our attorneys understand the complexities of all kinds of car accidents, including minor car accidents.

With decades of experience representing all types of car accident injury victims, our attorneys know firsthand how to deal with insurance companies, drivers that deny fault, and other obstacles that might stand in your way of the claim settlement you deserve.

Learn more about how our minor car accident lawyers can support you when you reach out to schedule your free case evaluation. Get in touch with our team today to learn more.

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