Car Accident, No Damage

You’ve been in a minor car accident. You don’t have any visible injuries, and you feel ok. When you inspect your vehicle, you don’t notice any damage or perhaps just a scrape or scratch. Does that mean you can just get back in your car and go about your day?

Not always. There are times when damage or injury will go unnoticed or may appear later. If you drive off without obtaining the other driver’s insurance and contact information, you may have given up your right to file a claim for that accident.

Even after a minor car accident, it can be beneficial to consult with a lawyer. The state laws for car accidents and reporting are different in every state. You should contact a local car accident attorney to learn your options.

Some Injuries May Take Time to Appear

Injuries caused by an accident, like whiplash and other soft tissue injuries, do not always manifest immediately after the accident. They can take days or weeks to develop. Even if you feel fine in the immediate aftermath, you may still develop symptoms. If you have any risk of injury, get medical attention. A personal injury lawyer can help you get your medical bills covered with an injury claim after a serious injury car crash.

Damage to Your Vehicle May Not Be Visible to the Naked Eye

Just because there is no external vehicle damage to your car after a car accident does not mean there is no damage. Often there may be internal damage that cannot be observed. Damages may include:

• Leaks: A minor fender-bender can result in leaks in your oil pan, air conditioning system, radiator, or another part that contains fluid.
• Alignment issues: The alignment of your motor vehicle can be knocked out of place.
• Battery issues: The battery can be knocked loose or have other issues that may reduce the life of your battery.
• Delay in computer diagnostics: It may take time for your computer to complete an evaluation of your vehicle following a crash. Your check engine or another light may turn on shortly after the accident and will need to be evaluated.

Because of the possible delay in identifying injuries and/or damage, it is recommended that you exchange insurance information with the other motorist at the accident scene.

Reporting a No-Damage Accident to the Police

Most states do not require a police investigation for a car accident case with no bodily injury and little to no damage. However, there is a minimum damage amount that must be reported to the police. For example, Colorado police will not investigate a reported accident unless there were injuries or at least $1,000 in damages. Even if there appears to be no injuries or damage, it may be best to contact the police to see if an investigation is needed.

It is in your best interest to exchange insurance provider and contact information with the other driver. If you discover damage or injuries, you can always report an accident to the police after the fact, as soon as possible, at the station. This will include the relevant details of the accident, including the parties involved, and will provide a record of the accident if an insurance claim for damages is later filed.

A police report from the scene will make it easier for you or your attorney to prove the details of the accident if an insurance claim is made.

If you leave the scene of an accident without reporting it to law enforcement or giving your information to the owner of the other vehicle, you could face criminal charges for leaving the scene of the accident.

Should You Report to Your Auto Insurance?

Drivers may not want to report an accident because they are worried their insurance rates and premiums will go up. Every car insurance policy requires you to report an accident, no matter the size of the accident. Suppose someone were to file an insurance claim for whiplash or hidden property damage as a result of an accident and you have not reported it. In that case, it may be difficult to get coverage at this later date.

Even if it is a “no damage” incident, it is still in your best interest to report the accident to your insurance company. Especially if you live in a “no-fault” state. In a no-fault state, your own insurance should cover any damage to your vehicle, minus the deductible, regardless of fault.

The only time that you may not wish to report an accident is if it was a single-car accident on your property. For example, if you scraped your car on the fence or garage.

Can Someone With No Injuries Other than Whiplash File a Lawsuit?

Yes. Whiplash is a soft tissue injury, often called a cervical strain or sprain. Soft tissue injuries can be very painful. Someone with whiplash will incur medical expenses and can take a while to heal properly.

Given the issues of medical bills and pain and suffering, someone with whiplash injuries will often file an accident claim against the other driver’s insurance. If the insurance process is not satisfactory, they can file a lawsuit for damages.

Therefore, it is essential to follow these steps for even minor accidents:

• Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver.
• Contact the police to see if an investigation is needed. If not, you can still report it to the police. Follow up with getting a copy of the accident report.
• Report the incident to your insurance company.

Need Advice? Speak with an Auto Accident Attorney Today

If you were involved in a car accident and believe that it was a no-damage, no-injury incident, you will still want to exchange information with the other driver and take notes. If you do this, you will be prepared in case you discover damage or injuries at a later date. Not sure how to proceed? Contact a car accident lawyer today for a review of your case.