Tips on how to handle a 'Fender Bender'

THE WOODLANDS, Texas - You’re headed home for work, sitting in stop-and-go traffic and BAM! The next thing you know, you have a ‘fender bender’ on your hands. As much as we try to avoid or prevent these unwanted and painful situations, it still happens to the best of us. Below is a quick guide to the proper steps to take and how to protect yourself during a non-emergency car accident.

It is best for all parties involved to pull off the road where the accident occurred to a safe location, like a gas station or shopping center nearby. Ask your passengers and the other individuals that were involved if they are OK, and try to remain calm. If there is any sign of an injury, you are to dial 9-1-1. Assuming that there are no injuries to report, the best contact to call is the non-emergency phone number to your county sheriff’s office and request for a police officer to assist you.

As you wait for the officer to arrive, many people would recommend taking pictures of the damage as a result of the incident on all vehicles and saving it for future reference, like when you file your claim with the insurance company. Assuming each driver has valid insurance and form of identification, it is crucial to exchange this information. Grab a pen and pad of paper or your camera phone and record their Driver’s License information, insurance card, and contact number. The police officer assigned to your case will have further instructions on what to do, and answer any questions that you may have.

Call both insurance companies, both theirs and yours, to file a claim on the accident. They will be asking for detailed information, like vehicle types, license plate numbers, insurance policy numbers, addresses, and more. This is why is it is crucial to exchange all information possible when the ‘fender bender’ takes place. Many insurance companies will accept your photo submissions. After you have reported the claim and depending on your insurance coverage, an adjustor will call you to get inspections and repairs on your vehicle scheduled as if it never even happened.

Always wear your seat belt, don’t text and drive, and be prepared the next time you are faced with a ‘fender bender’ with this simple guide. Be safe out there!