Fender benders are one of the most common car accidents in Los Angeles and can happen to anyone at any time. In fact, most drivers will be involved in a fender bender at least once in their lifetime. Fender bender accidents are not usually serious, and because of this, those involved in a fender bender accident may be tempted to ignore the accident altogether and walk away without pursuing compensation.
Any accident, regardless of severity, should be reported to the authorities. The Los Angeles Car Accident Attorneys at El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers know how to protect their clients’ rights after they are involved in a fender bender accident.
If you are involved in a fender bender where there is no apparent damage, our lawyers advise you on the next steps you should take to ensure you do not incur any extra costs in the future.
What are the causes of fender bender accidents?
Fender bender accidents usually occur at low speeds and involve a vehicle’s bumper or fender making contact with another vehicle. These accidents are largely caused by:
- Failing to come to a complete stop
- Following another vehicle too closely, especially in traffic
- Getting distracted while driving in a parking lot
- Failing to yield to oncoming traffic when pulling out onto a roadway
- Driving without reasonable care on slippery road surfaces
Many of these situations are the result of inattention, however, negligent or impaired drivers may also be involved. While a majority of fender bender accidents do not result in catastrophic injuries, damages sustained in these accidents can be significant.
What to do after being involved in a fender bender?
While you may be temporarily stunned or frustrated following an accident, it is crucial to take control of the situation. Minor car accidents can easily boil over, and you need to protect yourself, even if there is little-to-no damage involved. There are a number of steps you can take in order to protect your rights after experiencing a fender bender, including:
- Ensuring you and your passengers are safe
- Exchanging contact information with the other driver
- Calling the authorities
- Seeking medical care, even if there are no apparent symptoms of an injury
- Avoiding an abusive confrontation with the other driver (if the other party approached you aggressively, stay in your vehicle with your windows rolled up)
- Checking for any damage and remembering that some damages are not immediately detected
- Contacting your lawyer
- Contacting your insurance provider.
What are some of the car damages that can go unnoticed in fender bender accidents?
Not all damages are apparent or easily identified at the scene of an accident. Some damage that your car may have sustained during a fender bender can manifest days or weeks after the collision, including:
- Reduced battery life
- Leaking fluid
- Misalignment
- Computer diagnostics delay
Contact El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers
You may require legal representation to protect your rights after an accident, even in the event of a minor fender bender with no apparent damage or injuries. Contact the experienced attorneys at El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.
References
https://www.businessinsider.com/car-accident-what-do-i-do-2019-3