Most of us have experienced car accidents like fender benders. But don’t be fooled: even “minor” accidents can cause serious injuries. After all, if the impact was enough to bend your fender, then it was enough to cause you harm. If you’ve been injured in a fender bender, seek medical help immediately and contact an experienced personal injury attorney.

What is a fender bender?

A fender bender is a term used to describe a automobile accident where the damage typically involves the fenders of the vehicles involved. It’s often a low-speed collision that results in minimal damage, such as dents or scratches, to the front or rear fenders of the cars.

Even a low-speed fender bender can cause major injuries, including:

• Back and neck injuries: The force of impact in a fender bender can cause back injuries such as strains, sprains, or herniated discs.
• Head injuries: Although less common in fender benders, head injuries can occur if the head strikes the steering wheel, dashboard, or window during the collision.

• Whiplash: This is one of the most common injuries in fender benders. Whiplash happens when the head and neck are suddenly jolted forward and then snapped backward, causing strain on the neck muscles and ligaments.

• Soft tissue injuries: These injuries involve damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons and can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
• Emotional trauma: Being involved in an accident, even a minor one, can cause emotional distress such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

It’s important to seek medical attention after a fender bender, even if injuries aren’t immediately apparent. Some injuries, like whiplash, may not manifest symptoms until hours or days after the accident. Prompt medical evaluation can help diagnose and treat any injuries effectively.

Steps to follow after a fender bender

Knowing how to handle a car accident can prevent major headaches in the future. After an accident, remain calm and take the following steps:

• Do not drive away, and do not admit fault. If it is not safe to remain near your vehicle, move away.
• Assess yourself and any passengers for signs of injury. If anyone is injured, call 911 for emergency services.
• If it is safe to do so, move your car to the shoulder of the road. This can help prevent traffic jams or further collisions.
• Exchange contact information with all the other drivers involved in the accident. This includes driver’s license numbers, phone numbers, insurance policy information, license plate numbers, and make and models of the vehicles.
• Call the police to report the accident. You will need an accident report for your insurance company and if you decide to take legal action.

After taking care of these immediate issues, the following steps are also important:

• Get a copy of the accident report. You can ask police at the scene, or call the police station later to obtain a copy. This gives you proof of the accident.
• File an insurance claim. It’s best practice to file a claim if the repairs will exceed $2,000, or if someone is injured. Our Knoxville car accident lawyers can help you decide the best course of action.
• Document the accident. Take photos of your vehicle damage, injuries, and the scene of the accident. While it’s fresh in your mind, write down your account of the accident – how, where, and when it occurred.
• Seek medical attention for any injuries, even if you think they are minor. You will need medical documentation for any legal action you may choose to take.

Who is liable for my Knoxville fender bender accident?

Liability is typically assessed based on who was at fault or negligent in causing the accident.

In general, if you were rear-ended by another vehicle, the driver who hit you from behind is often considered at fault. This is because drivers are expected to maintain a safe following distance and be able to stop in time to avoid collisions. However, there can be exceptions to this rule depending on the specific circumstances of the accident.

If the accident involved multiple vehicles, liability could be shared among multiple parties, depending on the actions of each driver involved.

It’s important to gather evidence at the scene of the accident, such as photographs, witness statements, and exchanging contact and insurance information with the other party involved. You should also report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible.

In case of uncertainty or dispute over liability, consult with a legal professional to help you understand your rights and options under Tennessee’s laws. At Banks & Jones, we can guide you through the process of filing insurance claims or pursuing legal action if necessary.

Were you involved in a fender bender accident in Knoxville? The attorneys at Banks & Jones can help – don’t delay your rights to compensation. Ensure you act fast and we can get back on the road to recovery. Call our office or submit our contact form to schedule your free case evaluation today.