A fender bender is a minor collision between two vehicles. One car might be rear-ended, bumped by a distracted driver, or if the driver tapped into another vehicle while parking resulting in a fender bender. If you have been injured in a fender bender accident and the other driver has fled from the scene, it is recommended to hire legal counsel. Luckily, the experts at Ellis Injury Law specialize in this field and have additional information on their website on how to navigate this type of accident.
What to Do After A Fender Bender?
Even if your accident may be minor, always stop after the accident and exchange your contact information and insurance details with the other party. If a driver flees from the scene of an accident without providing their contact or insurance information, it could be a case of a hit-and-run.
The first thing to do following an accident is check for injuries. Minor accidents can also cause whiplash or other injuries that may not be evident immediately after the accident. Hence, it is best to call for medical assistance and get yourself examined by a professional medical practitioner. Next, call the police and provide complete details about the accident to the investigating officer. Ensure to retrieve a copy of the police report. This includes important information about the accident, including details of the at-fault driver that would be necessary when filing for a claim or if a lawsuit occurs in the future.
Lastly, ensure to call your insurance company and inform them about the collision. Failure to do so could mean that you are not abiding by the law and your policy agreement, and the insurance company may refuse to cover any accident-related damages.
Can You Go to Jail for A Fender Bender?
Even if an accident is minor and no injuries have occurred, the driver is legally required to wait at the scene and cooperate by providing contact and insurance information. If the collision took place in a parking lot and the parked vehicle driver is not in sight, you are required to leave a note with your contact details. If a driver leaves the scene, it is referred to as a hit-and-run case, and the driver could face felony charges and go to jail.
It is crucial to note that in some states if the fender bender has resulted in damages exceeding a certain amount, it is obligatory to notify the police. Besides, if you are in a misdemeanor hit-and-run, the offense goes on your criminal record and could affect your ability to drive or become a paid driver in the future.
How Can A Good Car Accident Attorney Assist You?
In a minor fender bender, you may not require legal assistance. However, if you have been involved in a hit-and-run case, it is best to seek legal advice. A good car accident lawyer can review your case and inform you about your legal options. If you are the at-fault party whose mistake has resulted in the fender bender, a knowledgeable and experienced car accident attorney can help you work out an agreement with the opposite party and prevent you from facing any legal charges.