Some auto accidents would be classified as minor accidents. These are fender benders that don’t involve injuries. These can involve vehicles backing from parking spaces, or slightly tapping another vehicle’s bumper at an intersection.
These accidents do not leave anyone with physical injuries but do result in some minor property damage to the vehicles. Whether these accidents need to be reported are dependent on a few things, including state laws where the crash occurred.
Here are some details on reporting such accidents and how to proceed with personal injury claims, so you can repair your vehicle.
Reporting The Accident To Law Enforcement
When you have been involved in an auto accident, you should report it to the police, so an accident report can be completed. Whether you are required by law to report the accident is dependent on your state.
If there is an accident involving injury, it is usually required by law to report it. If it just involves property damage, it must be reported if that damage exceeds a specific amount. In many states that threshold is $1,000.
Some states have lower thresholds, such as Tennessee, which requires any accident with damages exceeding $400 be reported.
Every state requires drivers to exchange insurance information and contact details after an accident. If the other driver is not cooperative, or if you believe the driver does not have insurance, call the police to the scene of the accident.
Reporting The Accident To Your Auto Insurer
If you have been in a minor accident that caused damage to your vehicle, you might have to report it to your auto insurer. Sometimes people try to avoid reporting it because they fear their auto insurance rates will increase or the driver believes they can work things out with the other driver.
However, any auto insurance company in the United States requires drivers to report any accident that they are involved in regardless of how minor it might be.
If damages are worse than initially believed, or if injuries appear later, your insurance company might deny coverage for the crash. You should report any accident to your insurer right away, so you don’t risk losing benefits.
Consult With A Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been involved in an auto accident, you should consult with a personal injury attorney even if your accident seemed to be minor.
A personal injury attorney can help you file your claim with your auto insurance company and will make sure your rights are protected. Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, so you have nothing to lose. You will not have upfront costs or out of pocket expenses because your lawyer will be paid when your claim is settled.
Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form to have the details of your minor accident reviewed by an attorney in your area. A lawyer will then tell you the best way to proceed with your claim, so you can get your vehicle repaired.
