A non-injury car crash, also known as a fender bender, is a minor collision between two or more motor vehicles where no one is injured. Non-injury crashes are often called fender benders because the damage done to the cars is usually limited to the bumper area.
What should you do if you are involved in a non-injury car crash? If you are involved in a non-injury car crash, there are several things you should do to protect yourself and make sure the accident is handled properly.
Get Expert Legal Advice
You should always seek legal advice after a car accident, even if it seems like a minor fender bender. An experienced car accident lawyer can review the facts of your case and tell you what to expect in terms of compensation. They can also help you navigate the complex legal process and ensure that your rights are protected.
If you get involved in a car crash in Texas, a car accident lawyer in richmond, TX will give you the necessary information you need on the steps you need to take. Specifically, an expert attorney will:
- Investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident: This will help them understand what happened and who was at fault.
- Identify the liable parties: The lawyer will identify all the parties who may be held responsible for the accident, including the other driver, the car manufacturer, or the entity responsible for maintaining the road.
- Calculate your damages: The lawyer will work with you to calculate all of the damages you have suffered as a result of the accident, including your medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
- Build a strong case: Once they have gathered all of the necessary evidence, your lawyer will build a strong case to support your claim for compensation.
- Negotiate with the insurance companies: The lawyer will negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf to get you the full amount of compensation you deserve.
- Take your case to court: If the insurance companies refuse to give you a fair settlement, your lawyer will take your case to court and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Get Your Car Repaired
If your car was damaged in the accident, you will need to get it repaired. Depending on the extent of the damage, this may be something you can do yourself or you may need to take it to a mechanic. If the damage is extensive, you may need to get a rental car while yours is being repaired. Make sure to keep all receipts and documentation related to the repair of your vehicle as this will be important if you decide to file a claim for compensation.
Contact Your Car Insurance Company
Even if you were not at fault for the accident, you should still contact your car insurance company to let them know what happened. This is important because they may have some questions for you and they will also need to start the process of processing your claim. Be sure to ask your insurance agent about any deadlines for filing a claim as well as what documentation you will need to provide.
Contact the Other Driver’s Insurance Company
If the other driver was at fault for the accident, you will need to contact their insurance company to file a claim. Again, be sure to ask about any deadlines for filing a claim and what documentation you will need to provide. You may also want to consider hiring a lawyer before dealing with the other driver’s insurance company as they will likely try to lowball you on your settlement.
File a Police Report
If you are involved in a car accident, you should always file a police report. This is important for two reasons. First, it creates an official record of the accident. This can be helpful if you decide to file an insurance claim or take legal action against the other driver. Second, filing a police report can help prevent insurance fraud. If the other driver tries to falsely claim that the accident was your fault or that they were injured, the police report can help disprove their claims. Additionally, the police report can be used as evidence in court if your case goes to trial.
What To Expect From A Trial
If you decide to take your case to trial, there are a few things you should expect. First, the entire process will take longer than if you settle out of court. Second, it will be more expensive as you will have to pay for your lawyer’s time as well as any expert witnesses they need to call to testify on your behalf. Third, there is no guarantee that you will win your case. However, if you do win, you may be awarded a larger settlement than if you had settled out of court.
No-Fault vs Fault States
It’s important to know whether your state is a no-fault or fault state as this will impact how your car accident claim is handled. In a no-fault state, each driver’s insurance company pays for their own medical expenses and property damage regardless of who was at fault for the accident. In a fault state, the driver who is found to be at fault for the accident is responsible for paying for the other driver’s medical expenses and property damage.
How To Prevent Car Accidents
Of course, the best way to deal with a car accident is to prevent it from happening in the first place. There are a few things you can do to help reduce your risk of being involved in an accident. First, make sure you are always following the rules of the road. Second, stay alert and pay attention to your surroundings. third, avoid distracted driving. And fourth, always drive sober.
Being involved in a car accident is never a fun experience. However, by following the steps outlined in this article, you can make the process of dealing with a car accident as smooth and stress-free as possible. So, if you ever find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being involved in a car accident, just remember to stay calm, contact your attorney and insurance company, and follow the steps in this article.
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- 5 Ways a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You Get Higher Compensation
- Top Reasons to Never Accept A Settlement Before You Consult A Car Accident Lawyer
- What Do I Need to File a Accident Claim?
