Fender Benders: What to Do After a Minor Accident
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Fender benders are minor but can still cause injury and property damage. Knowing which steps to take during and after a fender bender will reduce frustration and get you back behind the wheel quickly. If you’ve been in a minor accident, rely on us for fast, friendly, and professional collision repairs.
What Are Fender Benders
Defined as a minor accident with slight damage, fender benders are some of the most common motor vehicle collisions. Occurring at low speeds and involving one or more cars, these incidents sometimes require collision repair in Eagan, MN. Causes include:
- Mistaken shifts. If a driver inadvertently shifts into reverse instead of going forward, they may hit another vehicle.
- Minor damage may occur when drivers of large vehicles try to fit into small spaces.
- Sudden stops. Many fender benders happen when a leading car stops suddenly.
- Backing up. Often, drivers hit objects and vehicles when backing out of parking spaces.
No matter the cause of your fender bender, we’re here to get you back on the road. Call or click to schedule a visit to our collision repair center, and follow the steps listed below.
Seeking Medical Attention
It’s a widely held misconception that only major accidents cause injuries. Fender benders, however, can lead to injuries that aren’t readily apparent. Concussions, whiplash, and airbag injuries are common. Regardless of the severity or type of collision, follow these steps afterward.
- Get to a safe place.
- Ensure that everyone involved is okay and they get medical attention if necessary.
Even if you’re unsure, getting checked out after an auto accident is a good idea.
Assessing the Damage
After you’ve ensured everyone’s safety, it’s time to pay attention to your car. With a post-collision evaluation, you can assess visible damage, document it for an insurance claim, and determine if it’s safe to move the vehicle.
Exchanging Information
Following a fender bender, it’s crucial to gather information from other drivers, including:
- Names
- Addresses
- Phone numbers
- Insurance policy numbers
- License plate and driver’s license numbers
- Vehicle make, model, and color
- Date, time, and location of the event
We’ll work with you and your insurance company to get your vehicle fixed and back on the road.
Reporting the Incident to the Authorities and the Insurance Company
Reporting accidents to law enforcement agencies and insurance companies will protect your rights and get your vehicle fixed sooner. If possible, call your insurer from the scene of the accident so they can walk you through the process.
Dealing with an insurance claim can be time-consuming, stressful, and frustrating. We’ll do everything possible to make the claims process easy and hassle-free.
Get a Collision Inspection from an Auto Body Specialist
While DIY inspections may help, they won’t detect all damage. Our technicians will perform a detailed inspection to look for frame damage and other underlying issues. Bumper and fender damage are common, but we can fix it. For the area’s best auto body, painting, and dent removal services, call us for an appointment.
