The nature and severity of your auto accident injuries may entitle you to legal compensation. This legal compensation is also known as “damages” which includes the cost of present and future medical treatment, car repairs or replacement, lost income due to missed work, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Minor car accidents happen every day. Trifle habits like missing one or two hours of sleep can double your risk of an accident, according to AAA. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself financially after a fender-bender:
Fender Benders Vs. Severe Accidents
Fender-benders are the most common car accidents. They typically involve property damages without reported injuries. Lots of insurance companies categorize fender-benders as minor car accidents because the people settle their claims quickly and rarely go to court.
Serious accidents will involve severe property damage, catastrophic injuries, and/or wrongful death. These cases settle for thousands of dollars because these types of injuries cause long-term damage, disability, or disfigurement for victims.
If you’ve sustained injuries, then your case could be worth a significant amount in Florida. The skill of your attorney could also play a deciding role in how much compensation you receive.
Personal injury law professionals recommend consulting with an experienced auto accident attorney before settling your case. Minor accidents can be stressful and inconvenient. Knowing what to do in the event of a fender-bender can save you resources and further pain.
Steps To Take After A Minor Auto Accident
When minor auto accidents occur, you may be temporarily subdued by the impact. Even minor accidents can be annoying, even though it’s rare that someone is hurt. Here are some ways you can take control of the situation while remaining calm, and saving yourself from additional headaches:
Get To A Safe Place
If you’re already in a relatively safe place, like a parking garage, then don’t worry. If not, then you’ll want to move your car out of the traffic lane and put on your emergency flashers.
Take Notes
Take note of the car that hit you in case the other driver runs. It will benefit your case, and ability to collect damages, when you have a clear understanding of the color, make and model, and license plate number.
Call The Police
Call 911 even in the case of minor accidents. This is non-negotiable, and don’t let the other driver try to talk you out of calling the cops or involving your insurers. In some states, it’s illegal not to call the police after an accident. Tell the dispatcher when there are any potential hazards like fuel leaks.
Seek Medical Attention
When you’re not sure whether or not you’ve sustained an injury, then you should seek medical help. Seeking medical help will be paramount to recover economic damages like time lost from work due to your injuries, or your medical bills.
Keep in mind that not all injuries are apparent and injuries, like whiplash and brain injuries, may not appear for several hours or days after your accident.
Minor Car Accident Settlements
Court cases can be costly and take more time to resolve but also could result in a higher compensation award. Most cases settle out of court, especially minor car accidents.
A judgment award for a fender bender could include compensation for pain and suffering, court expenses, and punitive damages instead of only reimbursing you for property damage and medical bills.