When you are involved in a fender bender or an auto collision, it is important to know what to do and what not to do. If you follow the wrong advice, you could end up making the situation worse. In this blog post, we will discuss the dos and don’ts of fender benders and auto collisions. We will also provide some tips on how to handle these situations if they happen to you and your family.
A fender bender is a minor collision between two vehicles, usually involving only damage to the fenders (the metal panels that surround the wheels).
An auto collision is a more serious accident that may involve other parts of the car, such as the bumper, doors, or windows.
Both fender benders and auto collisions can be costly to repair, and they can also cause injuries to the people involved.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were over 4.5 million fender benders and auto collisions in the United States in 2021. These accidents resulted in over 2.7 million injuries and over 37,000 fatalities.
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of mortality and injury in the US and accidents can happen even to the most cautious people in the world. So, it is critical to know what to do when it hits you or your family unexpectedly.
In addition, even though there are no serious injuries involved, there are things that you need to do when you are involved in a car accident to protect your loved ones and fellow motorists.
Dos When Involved in Fender Bender or Collision
If you are involved in a fender bender or an auto collision, it is important to remain calm and take the following steps:
1. Everyone Needs Physical and Medical Support
If you have been involved in a petty accident or even just a fender bender, the first thing you need to do is ensure that everyone in your vehicle is okay.
Check for Injuries
Check if anyone is hurt and if someone is, call ambulance services immediately. You must also move your vehicle away from the accident site, if possible to avoid pile-ups and crashes. If this is not an option, turn on your hazard lights to alert others.
Secure Your Family
While waiting for medical help to arrive, you can move your family members to a safe area in the emergency lane of the road. Provided there are no serious injuries and it is a safe move, herd them to a secure area behind the guardrails of an emergency shoulder.
Concussions and other head trauma may also occur the symptoms of which are not immediately visible. Be vigilant of concussion signs, especially among young members of the family who might not be able to express what they feel.
In the next few days, watch out for headaches, poor focus or lack of concentration, vomiting, irritation, sleeplessness, and even seizures. Seek medical attention immediately when you see any of these signs.
2. Exchange Information With The Other Driver
Make sure to get the following;
- the other driver’s name
- phone number
- insurance information
- and license plate number
3. Call The Police When Fender Bender Happens
Even if the damage is minor, it is always a good idea to call the police. They will create a report of the accident, which can be helpful if you need to file an insurance claim. You may read more here about your legal rights.
4. Take Pictures
Be sure to take pictures of the damage to both vehicles. This will be helpful when you are filing an insurance claim.
5. Get A Tow Truck When Auto Collision Happens And Not Drivable
If your car is not driveable, you will need to call a tow truck. Be sure to get the name and phone number of the tow truck company so that you can give it to your insurance company.
6. Emotional and Psychological Support Is Important
A vehicular accident even one that is minor and does not involve injuries or substantial damage to property is a traumatic experience for everyone including the driver and family members.
It is important to get emotional and psychological support whether from professionals or family members. Discuss with your kids what they think of the accident and how they feel about it.
If necessary, seek professional counsel and attend sessions with the entire family.
An accident that occurs when you have passengers or family members with you is a horrific experience.
Even though there might not be visible injuries and damage to the group, it is essential to be mindful of invisible symptoms such as physical (concussion) or emotional trauma.
Don’ts When A Fender Bender And An Auto Collision Happens
There are a few things that you should avoid doing if you are involved in a fender bender or an auto collision:
1. Do Not Leave The Collision Scene
Leaving the scene of an accident, even if it is a fender bender is against the law. If you leave the scene of an accident, you could be charged with a hit and run. Moreover, if you leave before exchanging information with the other driver, it will be more difficult to file an insurance claim.
2. Do Not Argue With The Other Driver
Arguing with the other driver will not solve anything and it could make the situation worse. If you need to exchange information, do so calmly and politely.
3. Do Not Admit Fault When Fender Bender or Auto Collision Happen
Anything you say to the other driver could be used against you later. It is best to wait until the police arrive and let them determine who is at fault for the accident.
If you follow these tips, you should be able to handle a fender bender or an auto collision without any problems. However, if you are ever in doubt, it is always best to consult with an attorney who specializes in these types of accidents.
My name is Andrea Thompson and I’m a home based freelance writer. I’m 23 years old, married to my best friend, and mother to a wonderfully independent and opinionated 3 year old girl and step-mother to a sweet seven year old boy. I live in a tiny, little town in Kentucky, where I spend my free time fishing with my kids.
Writing has always been my passion, which I followed through high school, and for a while in college. Life happened, and once I discovered we were pregnant, I switched directions; opting for the healthcare industry because of the stability.
Finally, years later, I was in a place where I could leave the day job that never truly made me happy, and pursue my dreams. I’ve built, and am still building, my writing career from scratch. But, I’m passionate and I’m good at what I do. And, in the end, I can prove to my daughter that she can do anything she wants with this life.
