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Home » Blog » What to Do After a Minor Fender Bender in California

What to Do After a Minor Fender Bender in California

Sasha Bojat
November 6, 2024

Minor traffic accidents, known as “fender benders”, can be stressful even when there are no serious injuries. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), more than 70 percent of all traffic accidents in California fall into the category of minor accidents with property damage. Although these accidents may seem harmless, it is important to know how to act properly to protect your rights and interests.

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Immediate Steps After a Minor Fender Bender

1. Stay Calm and Be Safe

Stop the vehicle in a safe place
Turn on all four lights
Check for injured persons
If possible, move vehicle off the road

2. Notify the Relevant Authorities

Under California law, you must report an accident to the police if:

There are injured persons
Property damage in excess of $1,000
One of the participants has no driver’s license or insurance

**Important Note:** Even if the damage seems minor, it is recommended that you call the police for an official report.

3. Gathering the Key Information

Document the Following:

Photographs of damage to all vehicles
Photographs of the accident scene and circumstances (traffic signs, road conditions)
Information about the other driver:
- First and last name
- Number of driver’s license
- Information about insurance
- Vehicle registration number
- Contact details

4. Inform Your Insurance Company

Be sure to inform your insurance company of the accident, even if the damage seems minimal. Do not delay reporting an incident because some insurance companies have strict deadlines for reporting accidents. While you may not plan to file a claim, your insurer should be informed to avoid potential problems. When reporting an accident, it is important to be honest and not exaggerate the situation, but also to be careful about admitting fault until all the relevant evidence has been analyzed.

Legal Obligations in California

California law requires that drivers:

Sharing information with other accident participants
File a report with the DMV within 10 days if the damage is more than $1,000
They contact their insurance company, even for minor accidents

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Admitting Fault: Never admit fault at the scene of an accident
Not Getting Medical Care: Even if you feel well, some symptoms may come on later
Disorderly Documentation: Without evidence, it is difficult to prove the circumstances of an accident
Early Acceptance of a Deal: Consult a lawyer before accepting any offers

Statistical Facts

85% of all traffic accidents in California result in property damage only
On average, damage from minor fender bender accidents costs between $2,000 and $4,000
40% of minor accidents occur on parking lots and at low speeds
60% of drivers experience at least one minor accident during 10 years of driving

When to Contact a Lawyer

Although minor accidents are often easy to deal with, there are situations when legal assistance is necessary:

Insurance company refuses to pay damages
There is disagreement about guilt
Subsequent injuries occur
The other side changes the statement about the event

After a minor fender bender, it is easy to think that you can get away with it. Nevertheless, no matter how small the accident may seem, the right course of action is essential. Following the above steps can help you reduce stress, protect your rights, and ensure fair treatment by insurance companies. In situations where a car accident lawyer is needed, the Bojat Law Group team is there to help you. Our goal is for you to feel safe and protected, regardless of the complexity of your case.

If you have been involved in a traffic accident in California, contact the Bojat Law Group for a free consultation and learn how we can help you resolve any legal issues and secure the most favorable outcome for yourself.

As President and Owner of Bojat Law Group, my career has been devoted to securing justice for countless injury victims resulting from the negligence of others. My main goal in the practice of law is to passionately represent my clients to assure the best result in each case.

Due to my personal relationship with the clients, aggressive approach with insurance companies and overall knowledge in the Personal Injury field, I am a fierce advocate for my clients capable of obtaining high settlements and verdicts.

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