To cut a long story short, yes, you should hire a lawyer and seek compensation even for a minor car accident. The truth is, it’s more about whether you sustain injuries than the severity of the accident.
But let’s see why it all matters.
Case scenario
Let’s assume you’re driving your car in jolly good spirits and at a safe speed. Then all of a sudden, a CRASH! You’ve just been hit from behind by another vehicle, causing you to hit your head against the steering wheel. You’re not severely injured, save for a mere bruise. You step out of the car angrily, only to be calmed down by the apology of the other driver. They had made a mistake, but it only caused minor damage to your car.
You both feel fine, and you think, „there’s really no need to make a big fuss about this and cause a scene.“ So you step into your car and drive off.
Leaving the accident scene without filing a report is the biggest mistake you can make, and in most states, that’s a criminal offense. It’s tantamount to a hit-and-run.
As a victim of a car accident caused by someone’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for your injury, regardless of how minor it may seem. A car accident is a car accident, regardless of the severity.
Why you must take legal steps after a minor car accident
When you leave a car accident scene, getting the facts straight later can be quite an uphill task. Firstly, how are you to prove you aren’t at fault? This may shock you, but the other guy may decide to sue you for the damage to their car. They may lie and make exaggerations because you documented nothing down. So it’s your word against theirs.
But that’s the least of your worries. Some damage may have escaped your notice at that instant.
Hidden injuries and property damage
While you may consider a car accident minor, they may leave you with internal injuries which you would only discover days later. Personal injuries do not only refer to fractures and lacerations. Strained tendons, back pain, and internal bleeding may only show their symptoms later.
But by the time you notice the symptoms and go for a medical examination, it may be too late. You had left the scene — a criminal offense — and filing a personal injury claim against the other party may not be futile.
Also, you may later discover significant damage to your car. These things can be covered if you have taken the right steps on time.
What to do immediately after a minor car accident
Whether the accident is minor or not, you must wait at the scene and document whatever damage has been caused.
Exchange contact information with the other driver and obtain their car insurance information. Next, call the police. And even more importantly, connect with a car accident lawyer, be it a minor or severe injury. Why is that necessary?
Remember, every insurance company is a business and is out for one purpose: to make a profit. No insurance company will give you millions out of pity if they can avoid it. So your insurance company may try to provide you with the least compensation for your damage, claiming that it’s a fair amount.
If you accept an insurance settlement, no matter how small, you have signed off your right to pursue any legal action.
But an experienced car accident lawyer will be able to put forth your case towards obtaining an amount that’s best commensurate to the harm done, both property damage and bodily injury. A personal injury law firm can help you pursue a settlement or file a lawsuit if you have been harmed in an accident.
Things to remember at the accident scene
Here are things to remember during any car accident, no matter how minor
- Do not leave the scene without calling the police
- Document details as you may require them as evidence for your personal injury claim
- Do not for any reason admit fault. Avoid saying anything like, „I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have…“ Whatever you say may be used against you later.
- See a doctor to check for any injury that may have gone unnoticed.
- Review the police report to ensure it aligns with yours
- Call a car accident attorney. Do not try to face off with insurance companies alone. Even though you can, people who hire experienced attorneys receive on average three times more compensation than those who do not.
Final words
It may surprise you to know that injury attorneys are „free.“ They are free in the sense that they only collect a commission when they’ve won you your damages. So don’t hesitate to call one should you ever find yourself in a car accident.