What to Do After a Minor Car Accident - Essential Steps Following a Minor Auto Accident

Minor car accidents happen each and every day, especially in busy areas of Des Moines like intersections, parking lots, and congested streets. Though these might seem small when compared to more serious accidents, they can still cause injuries, vehicle damage, and financial worries. 

Many drivers believe that a minor accident isn't a huge deal, but if you don't go about it in the right way, it can create issues with the insurance companies or even legal disputes in the future. Tom Fowler Law is able to consult on what to do after a car accident with injuries.

Here are some things you should do if involved in a minor car accident:

Stay Calm and Ensure Safety After a Minor Car Accident

Even after a minor car accident, things can become overwhelming. Remaining calm is important. It's best to move your vehicle out of the way of other cars and turn on your hazard lights. This is also an opportunity to check the accident scene and look to see if there are any injuries. 

If the car is drivable, move to the side of the road. If not, stay in the car until help arrives with hazards on.

Check for Injuries and Call 911

Typically, minor accidents occur at low speeds, but that doesn't mean that injuries won't happen. Things like whiplash, back strain, and concussions are common. Those involved in the accident should check themselves for injuries, and if there are passengers, they should check them, too. 

If anyone is injured, even if the injury seems minor, too, they should call 911. EMTs can evaluate any injuries and offer immediate treatment. Some accident injuries may not appear until hours or even days later. This is why it's always a good idea to get checked out, even if there isn't pain. 

Contact Law Enforcement, So You Get a Police Report to Prove the Accident

Some drivers might be tempted to leave the scene of the accident after a minor crash, but a police report is a very valuable piece of evidence. Police officers will document the scene, take note of the vehicles involved, including the name and contact information of everyone in the accident, and note any witnesses. 

In Iowa, you must call the police and report an accident if it involves an injury, death, or damage of more than $1,500. Because of this, taking the time to file a report and have it on record can help you in the future if you need to file a claim later. It is also valuable if you need to file a lawsuit. 

Exchange Information with the Other Driver, Including Car Insurance Information

After making sure all parties involved are safe and contacting law enforcement, drivers should exchange information with each other. This includes the following: 

• Full name and contact information

• Driver's license numbers

• Vehicle information, including make, model, and license plate numbers

• Auto insurance provider information and policy numbers

During this process, it's important to stay polite and avoid discussing fault. Determining who's at fault can be difficult and complex, and even if the accident is minor, and even if you think you were partly to blame, don't admit fault. This can make it more difficult to file a car insurance claim and get money from the other driver. 

Document the Scene - Take Photos of Vehicle Damage

Evidence in a car accident, even a minor one, can be very important in the future should you have to file an injury claim or lawsuit in the future. This is why filing a police report is so important, too. Even if you don't file a report or make a car crash claim online with your insurance company, you should always take photos and videos of the scene. 

All vehicles should be photographed, especially for any visible damage. You should also take photos of the scene, including traffic signs, skid marks, and weather conditions. 

If there are witnesses, you should also collect the names and phone numbers of those people. A witness statement can be important as fault is determined. Oftentimes, a witness can offer an unbiased view of what happened. Even in a minor collision, witness statements can help when negotiating with insurance adjusters. 

Notify Your Insurer About the Motor Vehicle Accident

Any accident checklist you look at will advise you to file an auto accident claim with your insurance company. Many policies require you to file a car accident to your insurance company within a certain time period. If you don't file an auto insurance claim, the claim could be denied. 

When you file an accident claim, it's best to keep to the facts and not start speculation about who is at fault. However, injuries shouldn't be minimized, either. Sometimes, minor bumps and bruises can turn into serious injuries, and these should be reported as soon as possible. 

Seek Medical Attention

Even when in a low-speed accident with another driver, injuries may happen. These include injuries like whiplash, concussions, and back injuries, which may not appear for several days following the accident. You should try to see a medical professional for an evaluation, even if you don't know if you are hurt or not. 

Track Damages and Costs - An Important Step to Take After a Car Accident

What begins as a minor accident can still cost thousands of dollars in the future. Vehicle repairs, medical bills, prescription costs, and missed time from work all add up quickly. It's always best to track costs.

This should include:

• Medical bills and doctor’s notes

• Auto repair estimates and invoices

• Prescription or therapy costs

• Documentation of lost wages

• Notes on pain levels and daily limitations

This information makes it easier to prove the full impact of the accident.

Avoid Common Mistakes, and Contact a Car Accident Lawyer

Many drivers make mistakes after minor accidents that can harm their claims. Some of the most common include:

• Failing to report the accident to the police or insurance

• Accepting a quick cash payment from the other driver

• Posting accident details on social media

• Skipping medical care or ignoring symptoms

• Admitting fault before investigations are complete

Avoiding these errors helps preserve the right to fair compensation and prevents unnecessary complications later. For more information, an experienced car accident attorney in Des Moines may be able to help.

Consult with an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer

Even minor car accidents can lead to disputes with insurance companies, especially when injuries become more serious than expected. A personal injury attorney can evaluate the situation, explain legal options, and protect the victim’s interests. They can also explain what to do after a hit-and-run accident.

An experienced attorney can:

• Review the accident report and evidence

• Communicate with insurance companies on the victim’s behalf

• Negotiate for fair compensation covering medical costs, repairs, and lost income

• File a lawsuit if necessary to pursue damages

Working with a local attorney in Des Moines who has knowledge about Iowa traffic laws and court procedures is important. Tom Fowler Law offers guidance and representation for those involved in minor accidents, helping ensure that victims receive the support and compensation they deserve. Contact them today for a free consultation.