Did you just have a fender bender? What do you do now?!
Take a deep breath; we're here to help. In this post, we'll explain what a fender bender is and what the next steps should be.
No matter whether you're the one who caused the accident or the one who was hit, read on for helpful information.
A fender bender is a minor car accident where there is damage to the fenders — or panels — of the car. These types of accidents are usually considered to be insignificant because they result in less damage than a major accident.
However, even though the damage may be minor, you still need to take certain steps afterward to ensure your safety and the safety of your vehicle.
What To Do After A Fender Bender
If you’re involved in a fender bender, the first thing you should do is pull over to a safe location. Once you’re in a safe place, turn off your car and get out to assess the damage. If there are no injuries and the damage appears to be minor, exchange insurance information with the other driver.
Don’t forget to take pictures of the damage and get any witnesses' contact information. This will help document what happened in case either driver decides to file a claim with their insurance company. If either driver appears to be injured or if there is significant damage to either vehicle, it’s best to call the police so they can file a report.
After you’ve exchanged information with the other driver and taken pictures of the damage, you can decide whether or not you want to drive your car or have it towed. If you choose to drive your vehicle, make sure to drive slowly and carefully, as there may be hidden damage that you can’t see.
What To Do After A Fender Bender Hit & Run
Fender benders are the most common type of car accident and, unfortunately, hit-and-run fender benders are not uncommon. If you’re involved in a fender bender and the other driver flees the scene, pull over safely to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights.
If you can, try to get a description of the other vehicle, including the make, model, and license plate number. Then, call the police and file a report. Be sure to get the officer's name and badge number.
Once you’ve filed a police report, contact your insurance company and let them know what happened. Hit and runs are considered a type of uninsured motorist accident, so your insurance company will likely cover the damages.
No one likes getting into a car accident, but fender benders seem to happen more often in the winter. Whether it's due to bad weather or the holiday rush, you can do a few things to help avoid getting into a minor collision. Here are our top six tips:
1. Check your tires.
Make sure your tires have enough tread and are properly inflated. Bad tires are more likely to cause accidents, especially in poor weather conditions.
2. Drive slowly and carefully.
This may seem like common sense, but taking your time when driving is essential, especially in inclement weather conditions, where your vision may be impaired. It’s always best to err on the side of caution!
3. Leave extra space between you and other cars.
Particularly because of freezing rain and snow, leaving plenty of room between you and other vehicles is crucial. That way, if someone slips or slides, you'll have plenty of time to react. Also, if someone rear-ends you, this will help ensure you don’t hit the person in front of you, causing even more damage to your vehicle.
4. Be extra cautious at intersections.
Intersections are notorious for fender benders because that's where two cars are most likely to collide. Pay attention, and don't try to speed through yellow lights.
5. Use your blinkers!
This is such an important yet often overlooked tip. Use your blinkers when changing lanes or making turns so that other drivers know what you're about to do. It seems like a minor step, but it could save you from getting hit by another car.
6. Eliminate distractions.
Turn your cell phone on silent and put it away so you are not tempted to check it or use it while driving. Make sure the radio is turned down enough so that it doesn't cause you to be distracted. Lastly, make sure your passengers aren’t hindering you from driving safely.
The holidays are a time for fun and family, but they can also be a time for accidents. By following these simple tips, you can help avoid getting into a minor collision this winter. We’re wishing you happy and safe travels during the holiday season!
And if you need help finding the best car insurance coverage for the best price this holiday season, start by speaking to a SimplyIOA agent at 833.872.4467 or get an auto insurance quote online now.