About 85% of car accidents in Indiana are logged as only fender benders causing property damage, not major injuries or fatalities, according to Indiana Traffic Safety Facts.

You may think that if everyone is fine and there’s only minor damage to your car, you don’t need to file an accident report. Legally, in Indiana, you do not need to file a police report unless someone has been injured or there has been greater than $1,000 in property damage, but you still should. There may be unexpected expenses and/or complications after the fact. And if you never filed an accident report, you may not get very far with an insurance claim should you need to file one later. 

If you have suffered minor car accident injuries after an incident that was not your fault, contact Poynter & Bucheri Accident Recovery Attorneys at Law – you may be entitled to compensation. 

What Are Fender Benders?

A fender bender is a minor car accident that occurs at low speeds. Typically damage to the involved vehicles is minor and the drivers and passengers do not suffer serious injuries. If you’ve been in a fender bender accident, it can be complicated to figure out who is at fault. This extra layer of complication is yet another reason to file a report and get all of the necessary documentation and information in order right away. Parking lots, in particular, can be particularly tricky, as cars are moving in all directions while trying to navigate other vehicles and pedestrians with shopping carts at the same time. This is where an experienced car accident lawyer can help guide you through the complicated legal process. 

What Steps Should You Take After a Minor Car Accident?

Immediately after you get into a fender bender in the state of Indiana, there are a few things you should do to ensure that you comply with the state’s laws and protect your rights:

1. Move to a safe area: If possible, move your vehicle out of the way of traffic to a safe location, such as a parking lot or side street.
2. Check for injuries: Check yourself and any passengers in your vehicle for injuries, and then check on the occupants of any other vehicles involved in the accident. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Keep in mind that even if you feel fine, the accompanying adrenaline rush from the accident can mask the pain from potential injuries. You still may have suffered hidden injuries that could manifest days, weeks, or even months later, such as neck and back pain, strained muscles, contusions, stretched ligaments, or other soft tissue injuries. 
3. Exchange information: You should exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. Be sure to write down their name, phone number, address, driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance information.
4. Document the scene: Take pictures of the accident scene and any damage to the vehicles involved in the accident. This can be helpful later on when filing an insurance claim.
5. Report the accident: If the accident results in injury, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more, you must report the accident to law enforcement. If law enforcement does not come to the scene, you can report the accident at your local police station.
6. Notify your insurance company: Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident and begin the claims process.
7. Seek legal advice: If you’re unsure of your rights or responsibilities after a fender bender, it may be helpful to consult with an Indianapolis car accident lawyer, such as the experts at Poynter & Bucheri. 

Should I Get a Lawyer for a Minor Car Accident?

Consulting with an attorney after a minor car accident is never a bad idea. There are many working parts involved in seeking compensation for damages to your vehicle and any injuries that you may have sustained. If you have been in a fender bender in the state of Indiana, call the Indianapolis car accident lawyers at Poynter & Bucheri Accident Attorneys at 1-800-265-9881 or (317) 780-8000 or contact us online for your free consultation. We will provide you with an explanation of your legal rights, a discussion of your options, and our legal opinion of your claim, all for free.