What happens if you get in a fender bender

Despite the common nature of fender benders, it may be hard to remember what to do when one happens to you. After all, traffic incidents can be chaotic, stressful, and even scary, even if no one is injured. Adding to the potential for confusion, fender benders can take place anywhere. That means you may experience a minor car accident in a parking lot, in a driveway, on a quiet side street, or on the freeway in rush hour traffic. First and foremost, stop the car. If you've just had a minor accident, it's not necessary to leave the cars where they are, says Consumer Reports.

Instead, pull off the road and focus on getting to safety. Once you're out of the line of traffic, turn on your hazard lights. If you can't move your car without damaging it further, you might have to leave it where it is, but be sure to turn on your hazard lights. Remember: Though laws differ from state to state, in most places it's against the law to drive away without stopping after an accident, even if it wasn't your fault Once you've pulled over to the side of the road, call and report the accident.

Even if no one has been injured, a police officer acts as a neutral third party and may produce a report that could help you with your insurance claim. While you're waiting for the police to arrive, take pictures of the scene. Document any damage to your car, as well as the other driver's vehicle. You may also want to take a few shots of the location where the accident took place, as well as any witnesses or other people involved.

This may be one of the most important things you do after an accident: exchange information with the other driver. Once you confirm the safety of all involved, contact the police. This allows you to report the accident to the authorities and get a copy of the police report. You should also share insurance, contact information, and vehicle details with the other driver involved in the fender bender.

Get the contact information for any accident witnesses, too. Defensive driving is key, particularly for those who want to avoid a fender bender. There are several things that you can do to simultaneously practice defensive driving and limit the risk of a fender bender and other types of car accidents, such as:.

Along with the tips mentioned above, you should get your car checked regularly by a certified auto mechanic. This ensures that you can get your fender assessed and fixed or replaced right away. But, remember that the choice of a repair shop is ultimately up to you. Pay your deductible.

You'll have to pay the deductible on your policy before your insurance will kick in for repair costs. But if the other driver was responsible for the accident, your insurer may be able to pursue that party to recover your deductible state laws vary on how this is done. What Is Collision Coverage? This content is for informational purposes only and may not be applicable to all situations. Coverage subject to terms, conditions, and availability.

Policy issuance is subject to qualifications. Connect With Us. Update Below. ZIP Code. City, State Set Your Location. You have entered an invalid ZIP. Please try again. Location data not available. Please enter zip code. Please Wait Though minor in terms of damage, even fender benders can be intense experiences. With an elevated pulse and a boost of adrenaline flooding your veins, you might not notice your neck is cricked or your wrist is sore.

Though definitions vary, the general description of a fender bender is any minor collision between two automobiles. Skip to Content. Appearances can be deceiving While you might just have a scratch on your bumper, sometimes the worst damage is not always immediately noticeable.

Make careful note of the condition of your car following a minor collision: Does the engine sound alright when it runs? Is there any fluid pooling under your car? Is there any smoke or putrid smell?