Even a minor crash collision can leave you with questions, pain, or unexpected expenses. That tap on the bumper might not seem like much at first, but what follows can affect your health, claim, and chance at fair compensation.
Call Meshbesher & Spence at (612) 339-9121 or message us online before giving any statement to insurance.
Now, keep reading about what to do after a minor car accident.
Step 1: Get to a Safe Location
Move your vehicle to the side of the road or a nearby parking lot if it’s safe and drivable. Turn on hazard lights to alert oncoming traffic. Avoid standing between cars or in active lanes.
Secondary crashes are a real risk in heavy traffic. Many of these happen for preventable reasons—see the top five causes of car accidents that continue to send drivers to the ER every year.
Step 2: Check for Injuries
Do a self-check for pain, dizziness, or tightness. Ask passengers how they feel. Look for signs of injury like swelling, bruising, or difficulty moving.
If anyone shows signs of injury, call 911. Certain crash types, like rollover accidents, may leave hidden injuries that take longer to appear—getting checked out early makes a difference. Prioritize health before anything else.
Step 3: Call Law Enforcement
Many states require a police report for any crash involving injury or significant property damage. But in some situations, filing a report helps document the collision even when it’s not required. Tell the dispatcher you were involved in a minor car accident and request an officer at the scene.
The responding officer will record details such as:
- Date, time, and location;
- Driver and vehicle information;
- Witness names;
- Insurance details; and
- A preliminary assessment of fault.
This report can support your insurance claim or become a key part of a future legal case.
Step 4: Exchange Information
Ask the other driver for:
- Full name and contact information,
- Insurance company and policy number,
- Driver’s license number, and
- License plate number.
Avoid conversation about what caused the crash. Don’t apologize or suggest fault, not casually or jokingly. Stick to gathering the facts. Minnesota has some lesser-known rules that apply after crashes—state driving laws may affect what you’re expected to do next.
A minor car crash can become bigger when the paperwork piles up. Meshbesher & Spence helps you take control before that happens—by stepping in early, reviewing what took place, and ensuring your side of the crash is taken seriously.
Call (612) 339-9121 or contact us online before the decisions start closing in.
Step 5: Document the Scene
Use your phone to photograph:
- Both vehicles from multiple angles;
- Close-ups of damage;
- Traffic signs, lights, and skid marks;
- Road conditions; and
- Any visible injuries.
If witnesses are nearby, ask for their contact information. Independent accounts can help support your version of events—especially if the other driver’s story shifts later.
Step 6: Notify Your Insurance Company
Call your insurer to report the crash. Delays in reporting can be used against you later. Be factual and avoid speculation. If you were using your phone right before the crash, no matter how briefly, it could come up in your claim. Distracted driving is now one of the leading causes of minor collisions.
Step 7: Get a Medical Evaluation
Some injuries take days to fully show. Whiplash, soft tissue damage, and concussions are especially common in minor collisions. The Mayo Clinic notes that whiplash symptoms can include neck stiffness, headaches, and fatigue that may take time to surface.
Visit a doctor or urgent care center and explain that you were in a minor car crash. Medical documentation creates a record that ties your symptoms to the incident. Without it, the insurance company may argue your injuries weren’t related to the crash.
Step 8: Keep Records of Every Expense
Track every cost linked to the crash, including:
- Medical visits and prescriptions,
- Mileage to and from appointments,
- Towing or rental car expenses, and
- Missed work or reduced hours.
These records help calculate damages in an insurance claim or lawsuit. A minor collision can lead to larger losses than expected, especially when injuries are involved.
Step 9: Talk to a Lawyer Before Giving a Statement to Insurance
Insurance adjusters may ask for a recorded statement. These conversations can affect how your claim is valued and what’s paid. Before you agree to one, talk to a lawyer who understands what to do after a car accident.
At Meshbesher & Spence, we review what happened, evaluate your claim, and protect you from lowball offers. Legal help after a minor car crash keeps your claim from being minimized or dismissed.
Step 10: Know Your Rights Before You Sign Anything
Settlement offers after a crash often arrive quickly. Once you accept, your case is closed—even if your injuries worsen. Before you sign any release of liability, speak with a lawyer who handles injury cases every day.
Understanding what to do after a minor car accident can help you avoid signing away your rights or accepting less than you’re owed.
Do You Need a Lawyer for a Minor Car Accident?
Not every crash leads to a lawsuit. But knowing when to call a lawyer can protect your long-term interests. A lawyer who knows what to do after a car accident can help you:
- Dispute fault or liability issues,
- Review insurance policy coverage,
- Fight delays or denials, and
- Recover expenses beyond what insurance covers.
If you are involved in a minor crash you should not assume it will all sort itself out. Many clients we’ve helped came to us after realizing that the physical and financial toll was worse than expected. This includes families with younger drivers—teen driver safety remains a real concern after minor collisions.
Contact Meshbesher & Spence for a Free Consultation
Since 1961, Meshbesher & Spence has helped injured Minnesotans recover what’s been taken from them after a crash. We’ve handled thousands of cases, from minor fender benders to high-impact collisions.
Call (612) 339-9121 or contact us online for a free case review. You don’t pay unless we recover for you.
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| If you found this car accident content helpful, please view the related topics below: – Minnesota Auto Accident Lawyer – Summer Driving Safety Tips – Dangers of “Selfies”—The New Driving Distraction Contact us if you have specific questions on the matter or if you’d like to schedule a free consultation. |