Fender Bender
Lawyer BIG AUTO

The term “fender bender” is usually a way of referring to low-intensity car crashes in a way that implies that they are not particularly severe compared to more catastrophic collisions. Even so, it is important to take a fender bender seriously because any car crash has the potential to cause major injuries.

As the name implies, fender benders are typically rear-end collisions that primarily affect the fender at the very back of the struck vehicle. Fender benders also commonly occur when a negligent driver hits a parked vehicle. It is unfortunately the case that many fender benders, especially those involving parked or unoccupied vehicles, become hit-and-runs in which the at-fault party leaves the scene without taking responsibility.

Knowing the likely cause of your accident can help you determine who is liable and whether their actions were the result of negligence. Your fender bender lawyer will bear the majority of the burden when it comes to actively investigating the cause, but that investigation will likely start with considering the most common likelihoods.

Some of the most frequent causes of fender bender accidents include:

• Drivers misjudging stopping distance
• Distracted driving
• Failing to notice a car backing out of a parking spot
• Impatient behavior during stop-and-go traffic
• Excessive speeding

Determining the cause of your accident can be an excellent jumping-off point for you and your legal team to establish who is liable for the damages.

Determining fault and negligence is a crucial step in any car accident claim. It can be difficult to secure compensation from the other party’s insurance company if there is not sufficient evidence pointing to them as the one who violated their duty of care as an active driver.

Fortunately, determining liability can be very straightforward in many fender bender accidents. If someone hits your legally parked car, for example, then it is abundantly clear that they are at fault. You are also likely to have a very strong case if another driver rear-ends you while you are at a complete stop at a red light, stop sign or pedestrian crossing area.

There are times when liability is not such a simple matter, however. Accidents that happen when both cars are moving on the road, through an intersection or in a parking lot ultimately hinge on who had the right of way at the time. Without definitive video evidence or witness testimony, it might not be immediately clear who was in the wrong. Working with an experienced fender bender lawyer will ensure that you have the necessary resources to get to the bottom of the situation.

It is a common misconception that only high-speed crashes can result in high-severity injuries. If you are inside of your vehicle when crashes into it, even at low speeds, then there is a very real possibility of you sustaining an injury. It is important to be aware of the types of serious injuries that can accompany a fender bender accident.
 
Common injuries that can occur during a fender bender include:

• Whiplash: Occurs commonly from collisions that force the head into a quick back-and-forth motion, often accompanied by neck and shoulder pain, stiffness or numbness
• Concussions: Can occur when the head strikes a surface or jolts back and forth in a crash, with symptoms such as dizziness, headaches or nausea
• Soft tissue injuries: Sprains or strains that occur in the muscles, tendons and ligaments
• Back injuries: Includes herniated discs, fractures and other spinal injuries

 
Always seek medical attention after an accident, no matter how minor and regardless of whether or not you notice any pain or symptoms after the fact. The threat of injury is real, and injuries left untreated can quickly escalate to much more severe conditions.

Many people think of fender benders as being minor accidents and that pursuing compensation afterward might be a waste of time. The reality is that the repair costs after a fender can be much higher than you may expect. More than that, even a seemingly minor bumper tap can result in serious long-lasting injuries. Medical bills and treatment costs can add up quickly.

The presence of recoverable damages is an important part of a car accident claim. Proving that you incurred financial costs because of the other party’s negligence and demonstrating the exact amount of those costs will put the insurance company in a position from which it will be difficult for them to deny or lowball your claim.

Common economic damages that emerge from a fender bender accident include repair costs, medical bills and any loss of income due to your time away from work during recovery. Keep in mind that you might also be eligible for certain non-economic damages. If you experience any emotional or mental pain and suffering, perhaps due to any trauma or disabilities you develop as a direct result of the crash.

When you suffer damages to your property or to your person through no fault of your own, no matter how insignificant they might seem at first, you unquestionably deserve compensation from the negligent party. A fender bender lawyer leverages specialized knowledge and practical experience to help you grasp the rightful result and secure the best possible settlement.

The fender bender lawyers at Big Auto Accident Attorneys can serve you by:

• Investingating the circumstances surrounding your accident
• Collecting evidence of liability, even in the event of a hit-and-run
• Handling paperwork and other administrative tasks
• Negotiating with insurance providers on your behalf

It is a good idea to call a fender bender lawyer as soon as possible after an accident, even if you think your damages are too minor to bother with it. Your attorney can provide confirmation on whether or not you have a valid case on your hands. Involving a lawyer early on in the process also ensures that you will file your initial claim correctly and accurately and that you will ever practiced guidance at every step of the process.