Even when a car accident seems minor and your vehicle appears unscathed, it’s important to approach the situation with care. What may look like no damage on the surface could potentially be hiding underlying issues that aren’t immediately apparent. Documenting even minor accidents can provide crucial legal protection should any subsequent damages or injuries come to light later on.

Here are some steps you should take after an accident even if you don’t think there’s serious damage:

Call The Police

Even if there’s no visible damage, it’s wise to call the police and have an officer assess the situation. A police report serves as an official record of what occurred, which can be invaluable later on. Some damages to your vehicle might not be immediately apparent – problems may only surface after a more thorough inspection or in the days following the incident.

Additionally, physical injuries such as whiplash may not manifest until after a collision. Having this formal report is essential should any legal questions arise concerning liability or if you need to file a claim for compensation related to latent injuries. 

Contacting law enforcement ensures that there’s an objective report of what happened, and also creates an accident report that states important information.

Document Everything

Capturing details about the accident is key, irrespective of how negligible the damage might appear. Always take photos from various angles showing the entirety of each vehicle involved. This evidence may come handy later for insurance claims or legal assessments.

Remember to also snap pictures that show weather, road conditions, and any surrounding traffic signs or signals that could factor into understanding liability and cause.

Notify Your Insurance Company

It’s essential to notify your insurance company about the accident, even if you believe there is no damage, and regardless of whether you intend on making a claim. Timely reporting puts them in the loop and provides necessary protection should complications arise later.

Get Your Car Looked At By a Professional

Even if you think your car came out of an accident without issue, there may be unseen damages that could pose safety risks or lead to significant monetary expenses down the road. For instance, what appears as just a small scratch on the bumper might actually have impacted your car’s internal components – potentially affecting structural elements like crumple zones or safety features such as sensors for airbags.

Hidden frame damage is another example; it can compromise vehicle integrity without obvious external signs immediately following a minor collision. Also consider undercarriage issues – these parts aren’t visible without proper inspection but are critical to your car’s operation and safety.

Getting a professional mechanic to assess any potential damage no matter how minor the accident seems is essential.

Seek Medical Attention

It’s prudent to seek medical attention following any car accident. Even the most minor incidents can cause injuries that aren’t immediately apparent – like soft tissue damage or concussions. It’s not uncommon for adrenaline and initial shock to mask symptoms early on.

Consulting with a healthcare professional provides an expert evaluation and ensures that should any issues arise later, you have documented proof linking them directly to the accident.

Consult a Car Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been in an accident, discussing your situation with a personal injury lawyer is essential to understand your rights and legal options thoroughly. Almost all Fresno car accident lawyers offer free consultations, so there’s no reason not to at least speak to a legal professional.

If you need help, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.