What to Do After a Fender Bender in California
Even a minor fender bender can be stressful, inconvenient, and costly. While these accidents often happen at low speeds and cause less damage than major collisions, they can still lead to injuries, insurance disputes, and unexpected expenses. Knowing what steps to take immediately after a fender bender can protect your rights and help you secure fair compensation.
Step 1: Check for Injuries
Your health is the top priority. Even in a minor fender bender, you or your passengers may have injuries that aren’t immediately obvious, such as whiplash, muscle strains, or mild concussions. If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away.
Step 2: Move to Safety
If your car is drivable, move it to the side of the road or a safe location to avoid further accidents. Turn on your hazard lights so other drivers can see you.
Step 3: Call the Police
In California, it’s a good idea to call law enforcement even for a fender bender. A police report provides an official record of what happened, which can be valuable when filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action.
Step 4: Exchange Information
Swap details with the other driver, including:
Full name and contact information
Driver’s license number
Insurance company and policy number
Vehicle make, model, and license plate number
Avoid admitting fault - stick to the facts.
Step 5: Document the Scene
Take photos and videos of:
All vehicles involved
License plates
Road conditions and traffic signs
Any visible injuries
The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be if there’s a dispute about liability.
Step 6: Seek Medical Attention
Some injuries from fender benders can take hours or even days to appear. Visit a doctor as soon as possible so your injuries are documented and treated promptly.
Step 7: Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance provider quickly, even if you think the damage is minimal. Be honest but cautious with your statements, anything you say could affect your claim.
Step 8: Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
While fender benders may seem minor, they can still result in significant expenses, including medical bills, lost wages, and car repairs. At Montanez Yu, our experienced personal injury attorneys help car accident victims in California navigate the claims process and fight for the compensation they deserve.
We handle the legal side so you can focus on recovery, and we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we get you an outcome.
Were You in a Fender Bender? We Can Help.
If you’ve been involved in a fender bender in California and need guidance on protecting your rights, contact Montanez Yu today for a free consultation. Call us at (833) 695-2966 or fill out our contact form to get started.