What To Do After A Minor Car Accident: A Guide (Feb 2025)

What to Do After a Minor Car Accident

Crash reports do not use the term minor. Instead, they categorize crashes according to the most severe outcome they produce. Specifically, the terms used to classify crashes include:

• Fatal
• Non-fatal injury
• Property damage only

What you do after a minor car crash depends on your definition of “minor.” A minor car accident could have several meanings, such as:

• Non-fatal and non-incapacitating injury
• Property damage-only
• Property damage-only valued at less than a certain amount

In all states, you must stop at the accident scene after any crash. If the accident involves a parked car, for example, it’s important to follow your state’s specific procedures for reporting and leaving your contact information. If you fail to do so, you might face charges for a hit-and-run, also called “leaving the scene of an accident.” The severity of the punishment for this criminal violation can vary depending on the state and the outcome of the crash. In that case, you should consider hiring a hit-and-run lawyer.

Your steps after stopping depend not on whether the damage or injuries are minor. Instead, they depend on whether the crash only causes damage or it also causes injuries. Thus, you can divide the possible situations into the following three scenarios:

Steps to Take After a Minor Car Accident

Here’s what you should do immediately after a minor car accident:

1. Stop and Check for Injuries

No matter how minor the accident appears, you are legally required to stop your vehicle. Check yourself, your passengers, and any other people involved for injuries. Even if no injuries are visible, symptoms like whiplash or concussions might appear later.

2. Move to a Safe Area (If Possible)

If the vehicles are blocking traffic and can be moved, relocate them to the side of the road or a nearby parking lot. This helps prevent further accidents and ensures your safety. However, leave the vehicles in their positions if they are undrivable or if someone is injured.

3. Document the Scene

Take photos of both vehicles, license plates, damage, and the surrounding area. These photos serve as evidence when filing an insurance claim or dealing with legal issues later on.

4. Exchange Information

Exchange insurance, contact, and vehicle information with the other driver(s). This should include:

• Driver’s name and contact details
• Insurance company name and policy number
• License plate number and vehicle details

Do not admit fault or apologize, as this can be used against you later. Instead, stick to factual statements.

5. Contact the Police (When Required)

Depending on your state, you may need to report the accident to law enforcement. Generally, accidents involving injuries require police involvement, even if the injuries are minor. In the case of an accident with any injuries, you should report the crash immediately, often by using police report car accident tools. If the accident is damage-only, some states only require reporting if the damage exceeds a certain monetary threshold. Always check your state’s requirements.

6. Notify Your Insurance Company

Even if you and the other driver agree to handle the accident privately, your insurance policy might require you to report all accidents, even if it’s not your fault. Not doing so could result in penalties or loss of coverage if additional damage or injuries arise later. Review your policy and follow its guidelines.

Learn More About Your Rights After a Minor Car Accident

Even minor car accidents can cost thousands of dollars in property damage and even injure you. If you were involved in a minor crash and need to either pursue compensation or defend yourself from legal claims, you should speak to an experienced lawyer to learn about your options. It’s a good idea even if you’re in a non-injury accident.

ConsumerShield helps people facing legal issues. We provide educational resources and connect you with a minor accident lawyer who can provide legal advice and representation. Fill out our Contact Form for your free case evaluation.