Should I Call the Police for a Fender Bender?
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in which you or anyone else was injured or in which there was serious damage to either car involved, it’s time to call the authorities. If, however, the accident is what you consider a fender bender, you may be uncertain about calling the police, and you’re not alone. Knowing the rules that apply can help you proceed with greater confidence, and if the accident was caused by the other driver’s negligence, consulting with an experienced Greenville car accident attorney early on is always advised.
If There Is Virtually No Damage, You’re Not Required to Call the Police
In a minor accident, you needn’t call the police, but you should exchange the necessary information with the other driver, including your respective insurance cards, driver’s licenses, and contact information. While this sounds easy enough, it’s important to dig a bit deeper. Minor in this context means less than $1,000 in combined property damage. Any kind of damage to either vehicle’s bumper, which is common in fender benders, can easily exceed $1,000 in today’s market.
The Non-Emergency Number
If the accident in question doesn’t meet the criteria for calling the police – or you’re convinced that it doesn’t – it’s a good idea to go ahead and call the state’s non-emergency number and report the incident. By doing so, you improve your chances of bringing a successful car accident claim against the other driver – in the event your losses are more significant than you initially believed.
Your Health
Further, if anyone was injured in the accident, you shouldn’t hesitate to call 911. You should also keep in mind that even minor fender benders can cause injury – and they’re not always immediately symptomatic. The stress associated with being involved in a car accident and the adrenaline rush you experience can mask health concerns, including whiplash – which is a painful injury that’s not only difficult to treat but can also lead to serious limitations in terms of range of motion.
Proving the Other Driver’s Fault
Successful car accident claims against at-fault drivers are built on evidence, and because even a fender bender can leave you with significant legal damages – or losses – it’s important to take the matter of evidence seriously. If you were hit from behind, which defines the classic fender bender, it generally supports the fact of the other driver’s fault in the matter – unless extenuating circumstances apply.
There is, however, a range of evidence that can help you prove the other driver’s negligence, including:
- Eyewitness testimony
- The police report and any tickets issued
- Physical evidence captured at the scene
- Relevant dashcam or security camera footage
Turn to an Experienced Greenville Car Accident Attorney for the Help You Need Today
The savvy Greenville car accident attorneys at Fulton & Barr Attorneys at Law appreciate that you may not immediately recognize the severity of a so-called fender bender, and we have a wealth of experience helping clients like you recover compensation for their full range of losses after the fact. Learn more by contacting us online or calling us at 864-235-3154 today.