A Car Owner’s Guide to Fender Benders

Maybe you’ve had a fender bender in a parking lot or at an intersection, and you’re wondering what to do next. Although a fender bender is classified as a minor car accident, even the smallest crashes can leave you feeling shell-shocked.

If you need help handling your fender bender, learn what to do in this handy car accident guide. Looking for the right auto shop to repair your car? Call us for collision repair in Tucson, AZ.

What To Do After a Fender Bender

What is a fender bender, anyway? A fender bender is a minor accident that results in minimal damage and no or very minor injuries.

It’s common for drivers to panic after a fender bender, but it’s important to try to keep a cool head. Here’s what you should do after a fender bender to improve your chances of recovering any damages.

Move to Safety and Check for Injuries

Move your car off the road immediately after a fender bender if you can. Leaving your car in the street increases the chances of another collision, which can result in more injuries and complicate your case.

Once you’re out of harm’s way, check yourself for injuries. Note that the shock of the accident can make it difficult for you to notice injuries right away. That’s why it’s a good idea to see a doctor ASAP after the crash.

Exchange Information With the Other Driver

You probably don’t want to talk with the other driver after an accident, but exchanging your contact and insurance information with them is necessary. Without this information, you may not be able to recover your damages.

When speaking with the driver, remain calm. Don’t hurl accusations about who is at fault—that’s for the insurance company to decide, not you.

Contact the Police

Calling the police for a fender bender seems like overkill, and in Tucson, you’re not obligated to file a police report unless the accident involves injuries, death, or more than $2,000 in damages. Regardless, it’s a good idea to contact the police to get the facts of the crash on record.

The police can answer questions like “What is a fender bender, and does this crash qualify as a minor accident?” They’re also helpful for assessing car damage for your insurance claim.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Call your insurance company as soon as you can after the accident. Arizona has a two-year statute of limitations, and you won’t be able to file a claim if you miss the deadline.

If you collected any evidence at the accident scene, such as photos of your car, be sure to submit it with your claim.

Had an Accident? Our Team Will Fix Your Car Up Good as New

Now that you know the answer to “What is a fender bender?” are you looking for a body shop to restore your damaged car? Reach out to Formula 1 Collision Center today. Give us a call at (520) 369-4291 to schedule service or check out our post on the most common car accident causes.