What Makes a Crash a Fender Bender?
You may have heard a minor collision be called a fender bender, but what exactly does that mean? The term comes from the idea that only the vehicle’s fender gets bent or scratched, but it’s possible for bumpers and other parts of a vehicle to be affected as well.
In any case, a fender bender is a minor accident that causes little to no serious damage to the vehicles involved. It also doesn’t result in injuries. Common elements of a fender bender include:
- Low speeds (like in parking lots or at stoplights).
- Cosmetic damage (like scratches and small dents).
- No major frame or mechanical damage.
- The ability to drive away from the accident scene.
Here are a few common examples of fender benders:
- Rear-end at a stoplight. A driver lightly bumps the car in front of them because they weren’t paying attention when traffic stopped.
- Parking lot collision. Two vehicles slowly backing out of parking spots at the same time and tapping bumpers.
- Side swipe in traffic. A driver changes lanes without seeing another car in their blind spot, resulting in a minor scrape along the side.
- Hitting a parked car. A driver misjudges space and clips a parked car while pulling into or out of a tight space.
- Rolling into a car. A car slowly rolls forward at a stop sign and taps the vehicle ahead, often due to driver inattention or not fully braking.
What to Do After a Fender Bender
After a fender bender, you should take many of the steps as you would with any other accident:
- Check for injuries. Even a minor crash can cause whiplash or other injuries that may not be obvious at first. If there’s even a chance of injury, call 911 right away.
- Move to safety. If the vehicles are drivable and there are no serious injuries, move them to the side of the road or a nearby parking lot. This helps prevent additional accidents.
- Call the police. Some states require you to contact the police. For example, in Texas, you need to report accidents causing over $1,000 in property damage. The officer will document the scene and file an official report, which can be valuable when filing an insurance claim.
- Exchange information. Share your name, contact information, driver’s license number, license plate, and insurance details with the other driver. Get the same from them.
- Notify your insurance. Contact your insurance company as soon as you can, even if you don’t plan to file a claim. They’ll guide you on whether to file a claim, arrange repairs, or seek compensation.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Even if your accident was just a minor fender bender, it’s not just a minor crash. You should still follow the same steps as usual and still file an insurance claim if you want the damage to be covered.
No matter how minor your crash may seem, it may be a good idea to seek legal help. A Houston car accident attorney from The West Law Office, PLLC can assist you. No case strategy is the same, but our goal is to make sure that our clients receive the maximum amount of compensation for their injuries. Schedule a consultation today by filling out the online form or calling (281) 347-3247.
Source:
lemonade.com/car/explained/fender-bender-what-to-do/