Not all car accidents cause severe property damage and life-threatening injuries. In fact, many vehicle collisions that occur on North Carolina roads are minor. However, minor car accidents can still result in repair bills and medical expenses. If the accident wasn’t your fault, you don’t want to be on the hook for these bills. The at-fault driver’s insurance company may owe you compensation for your losses.
Common Types of Vehicle Damage Resulting from Minor Accidents
The majority of minor car accidents occur at low speeds, so they probably won’t cause significant property damage. A vehicle is unlikely to get totaled after a minor accident. Here are some common examples of vehicle damage from a minor vehicle crash:
- Dents
- Cracked windows
- Scratches in the paint
- Broken tail lights
- Punctured tires
Common Minor Car Accident Injuries
Minor car accidents aren’t likely to result in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage or other severe injuries. However, they can still cause injuries that warrant immediate medical attention. These injuries may include whiplash, broken bones, bruises, scrapes, pulled ligaments, and sprains.
Steps to Take After a Minor Car Accident
Even if the car accident you were involved with was minor, it’s still crucial to take the necessary steps to ensure your right to compensation.
- Call the police. Police should still be contacted for minor car accidents. They will come to the scene and make a report, which will include important information about the accident, like where and when it occurred and who was at fault.
- Take photos. Photos of the accident scene are great pieces of evidence for your claim. Take clear shots of all the vehicles involved in the accident and traffic signs.
- Go to the emergency room. It’s common to feel perfectly fine after a minor car accident. However, that doesn’t mean you didn’t sustain injuries. They may just take several days to show symptoms. A doctor will conduct a physical exam and order tests to diagnose your injuries. Getting immediate medical attention will help you heal faster and provide you with documentation regarding your injuries for the insurance company.
- Hire a lawyer. Filing a claim for a minor accident can still be stressful and time-consuming. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you through the process and improve your chances of receiving fair compensation.
Schedule a consultation with a car accident lawyer, like one from Burton Law Firm, today.