{"id":353140,"date":"2017-04-04T17:45:17","date_gmt":"2017-04-04T22:45:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/injury\/car-accidents\/what-to-do-after-a-minor-car-accident.html"},"modified":"2025-10-13T15:36:09","modified_gmt":"2025-10-13T20:36:09","slug":"what-to-do-after-a-minor-car-accident","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/what-to-do-after-a-minor-car-accident.html","title":{"rendered":"Do I Need a Lawyer for a Minor Car Accident?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Do I Need a Lawyer for a Minor Car Accident?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

It depends on the circumstances, but most minor car accidents<\/span> can be resolved without a lawyer through insurance claims<\/span> or small claims court. However, you may need legal representation<\/span> if you suffer injuries requiring medical treatment<\/span>, the other driver’s insurance denies your claim, fault is disputed, or damages exceed policy limits. An attorney becomes essential when insurance companies<\/span> don’t cooperate or when the case involves complications like uninsured drivers or commercial vehicles.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Getting in a fender bender<\/span> is often a matter of bad luck, not bad driving. Parking lots<\/span> and driveways are prime locations for slow-moving collisions. Fortunately, serious injuries<\/span> are less common in minor car accidents<\/span>, and insurance claims<\/span><\/a> often resolve quickly.<\/p>\n

While all this is true, even a minor car accident<\/span> can be a stressful experience. You don\u2019t want to pay repair costs and medical bills<\/span> if you are not the at-fault driver<\/span><\/a>. Unfortunately, the process of recovering damages can be complex even for a minor accident<\/span>.<\/p>\n

This article lists the important steps to take after a motor vehicle accident, minor or otherwise. It also examines how the claims process<\/span><\/a> works and explains the types of economic and non-economic damages<\/span> you can demand in a personal injury claim<\/span>.<\/p>\n

If you were recently in a minor car accident<\/span>, contact a local personal injury lawyer<\/span><\/a>. They\u2019ll review your case and help with your car accident claim<\/span>.<\/p>\n

What is the first thing you should do after a minor car accident<\/span>?<\/h2>\n

If you want to protect your legal rights after a car accident, there are a few important steps to take at the scene. You\u2019ll have a much better chance of recovering compensation for your accident injuries and property damage<\/span><\/a> by doing so.<\/p>\n

You should do the following things immediately after any motor vehicle accident<\/a>, minor or not:<\/p>\n