If you’re involved in a minor fender-bender with no injuries, take the following steps:
Move to safety: If possible, pull the vehicles out of traffic (to the shoulder or a nearby parking lot) so you're not blocking the road or causing another accident.
Exchange information: Swap details with the other driver, including names, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance information (company and policy number).
Document the scene: Take photos of the damage on both cars and the overall scene. This can be very helpful for insurance claims later.
Call the police if needed: In some areas, if the damage is above a certain dollar amount (like $500 or $1,000) or if you simply want an official report, you should call the police. They may come and make an accident report. In other cases (and in many minor accidents), the police might not come to the scene if there are no injuries, but you can later file a report at a police station if required.
Notify your insurance company: Report the accident to your auto insurer as soon as you can, even if the damage seems minor. Provide them with all the relevant information and any photos.
Never leave the scene of even a minor accident without exchanging info – that’s considered a hit-and-run, which is illegal. Since no one is hurt, focus on staying calm, getting all the necessary information, and following the law by reporting as required. Handling these steps properly will make the post-accident process (repairs, claims) much smoother.
