{"id":353141,"date":"2017-02-16T19:21:10","date_gmt":"2017-02-17T00:21:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/car-accidents\/what-to-do-if-you-are-in-a-car-accident-with-no-damage.html"},"modified":"2025-11-05T11:23:00","modified_gmt":"2025-11-05T16:23:00","slug":"what-to-do-if-you-are-in-a-car-accident-with-no-damage","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/what-to-do-if-you-are-in-a-car-accident-with-no-damage.html","title":{"rendered":"What To Do If You Are in A Car Accident With No Damage"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What To Do If You Are in A Car Accident With No Damage<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Sarah Williams, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, 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

If you’re in a car accident with no visible damage<\/span>, stay at the scene and exchange contact and insurance information<\/span> with the other driver. Hidden vehicle damage<\/span> or delayed injuries can surface later and lead to legal claims. You should also report the accident to your insurance company<\/span> and seek medical attention<\/span> if needed.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

You were inching along on your way to work, another morning of bumper-to-bumper traffic, when you felt a sudden jolt. The car behind you took a little too long to stop and barely ran into your rear bumper. You both pulled over to the shoulder and got out of your vehicles, but you were surprised to see no apparent damage to your car. Not even a scratch. So, what do you do?<\/p>\n

Even without visible damage<\/span>, it’s important to treat the situation seriously. This can help protect you from future complications. If you were the at-fault driver, there\u2019s a possibility the other motorist could file a surprise (and possibly frivolous)\u00a0accident claim<\/span><\/a> or personal <\/span>injury<\/span> claim<\/span>. This is true even if they agree there\u2019s no damage<\/span> at the scene and don\u2019t take your information.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re in a\u00a0car accident<\/a>\u00a0with no damage<\/span>, knowing what to do can help you avoid unexpected hardships further down the road. This article explains why you still should exchange information<\/span>, document the scene, and report the incident\u2014even if everything seems fine.<\/p>\n

Hidden vehicle damage<\/span> and delayed injuries can cause major issues. If you skip documentation after a fender bender<\/span> or are the subject of a claim after the fact, legal help is a must. Contact an auto accident<\/span> attorney<\/a> near you for help. Don\u2019t be left vulnerable should the other party file a claim.<\/p>\n

What You Might Miss After a Minor Crash<\/h2>\n

Even if you can\u2019t see any property damage<\/span>, or it\u2019s limited to a small scratch or paint mark, there may be minor damage<\/span> that has gone unnoticed. Do not leave the scene of the accident<\/span>.<\/p>\n

If you leave without getting the other driver\u2019s insurance policy<\/span> number and contact information<\/span>, you have forfeited your ability to file a claim with their insurance company<\/span> if vehicle damage<\/span> (or bodily injury<\/span>) appears at a later date.<\/p>\n

Hidden Damage<\/span> That May Not Be Obvious at the Scene<\/h3>\n

The types of damages that go unnoticed after a minor car accident<\/span> depend on the type of car, its initial condition, the nature of the accident, and other factors. But here are some examples:<\/p>\n