What Should I Do When I’m Involved in a Fender Bender?
Fender benders are always an annoyance, but they could also be a financial transaction.
Fender benders are always an annoyance, but they could also be a financial transaction.Fender benders are the most common kind of auto collision accident in the U.S. The range of their damage spans significantly, from quite literally zero damage to both fenders needing to completely replaced and bodily injury (usually of the neck). Either way, an accident is an accident and needs to be reported to your insurance company. So, after a fender bender what should you do? Here are four steps which you should take when you are involved in a fender bender—no matter who’s at fault.
- Pull Over
If your cars are able to move, pull over to the side of the road or shoulder of the highway. This way you’ll be able to get out of your cars safely and inspect the damage. This also serves as a means to get out of peoples’ way; the hundreds of people behind you should not have to sit in hours of traffic because of your mishap!
- Exchange Information
Even if the tap was negligible, you should exchange information. If your car has a rearview camera, the smallest tap from a one-and-a-half-ton car could break it. And going in reverse is something you’re likely to do after a crash. Additionally, you should exchange information so your insurance companies can decide who is responsible for the damage and who will be paying.
- Take Pictures
Take pictures of the following:
- Damage done to both cars.
- License plate number of the other vehicle.
- Driver’s License of the other motorist.
This is a great way to provide photographic evidence should an insurance company or court demand any proof of the situation.
- Call the Cops
While not something you have to do, this last step is a good way to get a report written by a third party.
Fender benders are no fun, but they should be dealt with accordingly—or else risk facing consequences. Our staff at Remland Insurance is very experienced in all matters auto insurance and would be happy to answer any further questions you may have regarding this issue. We would greatly appreciate the opportunity to quote your California insurance coverage in 2016!