5 Most Common FAQs About Fender Benders in PA and What You Should Do

When you’re involved in a fender bender, it can be a stressful and confusing experience. Even minor car accidents can lead to significant pain and disruption. Luckily, experienced personal injury attorneys hear many of the same questions about this type of accident and are here to guide you through auto accidents involving anything from distracted driving to poor road design that creates dangerous conditions for drivers. Read on for answers to your most pressing FAQS about fender benders and motor vehicles. Don’t hesitate to contact us for a comprehensive legal review of your car accident details.

1. What is a Fender Bender?

A “fender bender” is often used to describe a minor motor vehicle accident where the damage isn’t severe and no one is catastrophically injured. However, it’s important to remember that drivers, passengers, and even pedestrians who are in the wrong place at the wrong time can be injured in the most seemingly minor collision. Whether you’re feeling physical pain or not after a fender bender, seeking medical attention is a good idea, as some issues can take a while to present symptoms, and you’ll want documentation to support any future claims that the fender bender caused your injuries.

2. What Should You Do After a Fender Bender?

As mentioned, following a fender bender, you should visit your primary care doctor or even a chiropractor specializing in car accident after-care to receive an evaluation for potential injuries. Conditions like whiplash may not cause you pain right away, but you could be in a world of hurt later.

Of course, before leaving the scene of a fender bender, you should collect as much information about the accident as possible. These details may include insurance information from other involved parties or information about other vehicles, such as license plate numbers, makes, and models. Get location information, like road names, too. If possible, take photos of the accident and ask witnesses or other people involved for their contact information.

You will want to start the auto accident insurance claim process correctly as your recovery from a car accident begins at the scene. Make sure you get every possible detail for your insurance before you leave the area. And, if you happen to be taken from the scene in an ambulance for emergency medical treatment, be aware that getting a caring, experienced personal injury lawyer on your side as soon as possible is a smart move.

3. Should I Report a Fender Bender to the Police or My Insurance?

While some people like to avoid the perceived hassle of getting their auto insurance involved for a minor traffic accident—especially if they have a history of accidents or other violations—you pay for this coverage to help in these situations, and you should use it! Always report the incident to your insurance carrier. If the police do not respond to the scene, keep a record of this and inform your insurance company and/or lawyer. Reporting to law enforcement is critical in cases of injury, hit-and-run incidents, dangerous situations, or uninsured drivers.

If you hope to make a police report, you may find that officers might not respond to the scene if no one has been seriously injured in the fender bender. This scenario isn’t ideal since having a police report is extremely helpful in most cases. If you call the police and they do not respond, keep a record of this, and let your insurance company and/or lawyer know what happened.

4. How Much Does a Fender Bender Cost?

A minor fender bender auto accident may have a minimal financial cost for getting your car fixed, especially if you file a claim with your car insurance, and the damage is covered by collision insurance. You may simply pay your deductible, typically between $100-$1,000, and the costs of the repair are covered.

However, you will want to note that fender benders often cost more than vehicle repair costs or a collision auto insurance deductible. Even the most minor auto accidents can cause complex injuries for victims, including chronic pain and psychological suffering. For instance, you may be unable to work following a car accident, and if you weren’t on the job then, you might be unable to procure workers’ compensation benefits.

So, while “how much does a fender bender cost?” may be one of the more popular FAQs about fender benders in PA, the answer can be extremely complicated. If you’re suffering and unable to pay your bills following a vehicle accident of any type, you must call a personal injury lawyer to review your case.

5. Who Is At Fault in a Fender Bender in PA?

If you were involved in a fender bender that you are sure you did not cause, it might seem strange and unfair that Pennsylvania appears to suggest it was “no one’s fault” with the no-fault insurance system our state uses. This thought process is a common misconception, as no-fault insurance only means that your own vehicle insurance policy will pay for your medical expenses and related losses.

As discussed in previous posts, this scenario is also why you must select the full tort option when purchasing your vehicle insurance policy. Choosing limited tort when purchasing insurance instead equals signing your rights away to seek damages for pain and suffering in an accident. You’ll want to review our Complete Guide to Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer chapter on auto injury settlements to learn more.

Call Westmoreland Injury Lawyers if You Have Been Hurt in a Fender Bender

Navigating the aftermath of a fender bender can be overwhelming, even with the help of these five popular FAQs about fender benders. Don’t accept unfair settlement offers from auto insurers eager to close your claim. You deserve fair compensation and comprehensive support. Contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Westmoreland Injury Lawyers today to help you recover from even the most minor fender bender.