Even minor accidents can cause lasting headaches. A fender bender might not leave you seriously injured, but it can still lead to hidden vehicle damage, disputes over fault, and unexpected insurance complications. Knowing what to do in the moments and days following a low-speed collision is crucial to protecting your health, finances, and legal rights.

At The Law Office of Robert Castro, we assist drivers in Waldorf, Maryland, and the Washington, D.C. area in understanding their options after an accident. If you’ve been involved in a crash, even a minor one, our team can guide you through your next steps. Schedule a consultation today to understand your rights and potential claims.

Move to Safety and Stay Calm

Immediately after the crash, check if anyone is injured. If the accident occurred in a traffic lane, move the vehicles to a safe location, preferably the shoulder or a nearby parking lot. Turn on hazard lights and remain calm while assessing the situation.

Calling 911 is still essential, even for minor incidents like a fender bender. A police report provides an official record of the event and may be required when filing a claim or insurance claim. If no officer is dispatched, you may still need to file a report through the Maryland State Police or your local law enforcement office.

While minor accidents may seem straightforward, establishing a record is crucial. It can help your car accident lawyer build a case if you later discover injuries or vehicle damage that wasn’t immediately obvious.

Document Everything

Once it’s safe, begin collecting information. Exchange names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, license plates, and insurance information with the other driver. Do not admit fault or apologize, even if it’s just a casual remark. This can be used against you later.

Take photos of all vehicles involved, including close-ups of the damage and wider shots that show the position of the cars and any skid marks or debris: photograph road signs, traffic signals, and the weather conditions at the time of the accident.

These details can make a significant difference when negotiating with insurers or working with an auto accident attorney. Maryland follows a contributory negligence rule, which bars recovery if the injured party is even slightly at fault. Evidence is key to defending your rights under this strict legal standard.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine, it’s still a good idea to get checked by a doctor. Some injuries, such as whiplash or soft tissue damage, may not appear for hours or days. Insurers may also use a delay in treatment to question the legitimacy of your injuries.

Maryland drivers covered by personal injury protection (PIP) benefits can use that coverage to pay for initial medical care, regardless of who caused the accident. Keep copies of all medical bills, diagnoses, and treatment plans.

If your injury later becomes more serious or leads to complications, your auto accident attorney in Maryland will need this documentation to pursue full compensation on your behalf.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Maryland drivers are required to report accidents to their insurance providers promptly. Provide basic details of the crash, but avoid recorded statements until you’ve had legal guidance. Insurance adjusters may appear helpful, but their goal is often to minimize payout amounts.

Your policy may require you to notify your carrier within a specific timeframe, so don’t delay. That said, you are not obligated to speak with the other driver’s insurance company without legal representation. We regularly assist clients with insurance communications to avoid unnecessary risks.

To better understand how our firm assists with negotiations, you can explore our personal injury services for more details on what’s involved.

Don’t Settle Too Quickly

After a fender bender, it’s common to receive a quick settlement offer from the other party’s insurer. While it may be tempting to accept, early offers are often far lower than the actual cost of medical care, lost time at work, or future treatment.

Once you accept a settlement, you typically waive your right to pursue further compensation. Before agreeing to any offer, consult with car accident lawyers in Maryland who can help evaluate the actual value of your claim.

Even in minor accidents, long-term pain or vehicle issues may not become apparent right away. Our firm regularly reviews settlement offers to ensure clients aren’t left with unpaid bills down the line. Visit our case results to see examples of our work.

Understand Maryland’s Liability Rules

Maryland’s contributory negligence law is one of the most rigid in the country. If you are found to be even 1% responsible for the crash, you may be barred from any recovery. This makes fender bender claims particularly delicate.

A skilled legal strategy is essential, even for low-impact crashes. The defense may try to argue that your vehicle stopped suddenly or that your injuries are exaggerated. Working with an experienced car accident lawyer gives you the advantage of professional legal support that anticipates these arguments.

Our attorneys understand how to structure your claim to minimize liability risk, especially in jurisdictions such as Waldorf and the surrounding Maryland counties.

How Legal Help Makes a Difference

Many people assume they don’t need legal support for a minor crash, but legal representation can improve your outcome significantly. An attorney helps gather and preserve evidence, calculates the full scope of damages, negotiates with insurers, and, if needed, takes the case to court.

We often hear from clients who tried to handle their claim on their own and received inadequate compensation. Having a lawyer from the start can avoid common mistakes and delays.

You can view feedback from past clients on our reviews page to get a sense of how we assist in real-world accident cases.

What to Avoid After a Fender Bender

There are a few mistakes that can weaken your claim:

• Failing to document the scene
• Admitting fault at the scene
• Skipping a medical evaluation
• Ignoring insurance deadlines
• Accepting the first settlement offer

Avoiding these missteps gives you the best chance at a smooth resolution. Our attorney profiles detail the experience we bring to each step of your case.

Legal Guidance for the Unexpected

A minor crash can have significant consequences. At The Law Office of Robert Castro, we help individuals across Maryland and Washington, DC understand what to do after a fender bender and how to move forward with confidence. Our team has over 50 years of combined experience handling vehicle collisions of all types. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Whether your accident seemed minor or significant, our firm is here to protect your rights and secure what you’re owed.