What To Do If You Are in A Car Accident With No Damage

When you've been in a minor car accident with no visible damage, you, like most people, will usually brush it off, thinking it's not important, right? But that might not be the best idea in all cases, and treating it casually can even lead to costly mistakes. 

Maybe some issues can surface later on, including,

• External or internal damage to your car
• Potential injuries and 
• Unexpected claims from the other party and so on. 

That's why it's important to treat every accident seriously, no matter how small it seems at first. You'll need to know the right steps to take after the accident, how to handle the situation calmly, and how to protect yourself from problems that can show up after days or even weeks.

And in this guide, we'll tell you everything so that you won't have to face any such problem after a no-damage car accident!

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a No-Damage Car Accident

No visible dents, broken limbs of drivers, or car parts after an accident don't always mean you're good to go. 

This is what could be going on!

Hidden Car Damages After an Accident That You Might Miss

During a car accident, the fragile parts inside your car can get damaged without leaving a single scratch on the surface. You could face issues like:

• Misalignment of the wheels or suspension, causing uneven wearing of tires or problems with steering.
• Your car's battery could get loose, or there could be a short circuit in the lead plates. And this can shorten the lifespan of your car battery.
• Even the frame under the plastic exterior panels could get damaged due to the collision.
• There could be electrical issues if your car is new and has a lot of sensors and wiring.
• You might see a leaky oil pan or radiator due to a tiny rupture caused by the accident.

Injuries That Can Show Up Later After a Minor Car Accident

Apart from your car, you're also at risk! When you've been in a car accident, be it major or minor, your adrenaline is high, and so it's natural not to feel any immediate pain or ignore it as you've other important things to handle at the moment. But later you might feel:

• Whiplash or neck pain if your head jerked during the accident 
• Headaches or concussions (even if you didn't hit your head)
• Muscle soreness or pain in your lower back.

You could face several other problems that you might overlook at first. So, it's always better to take proper steps at the right time after being in a car accident.

What to Do After You’ve Been in a Car Accident With No Visible Harm?

You can follow these points!

• Don’t Drive Off, Check for Any Injuries 

Your first and most important step would be to not drive away and instead pull over to a safe spot on the road. Then, you need to make sure that you have no major bodily injuries, dizziness, etc.. But don't assume you're fine if you don't feel any physical pain right away, as you might feel it later on. So, you'll still need to go to the doctor for an overall check-up.

• Document Everything 

Your next step would be to take out your phone and capture every detail of the accident scene. It can include photos of both the vehicles (your own and the one with which you had an accident). You can note down the opposite party's license plate number as well. 

Also, you can take photos of your injuries (if any) or anything else that you think is important if you need to file for compensation or if the other driver files a surprise claim in the future.

• Call the Police

In California, you'll need to report a car accident within 24 hours. You can pursue your claim even if you don't have a police report. But to be on the safe side (in case of surprise claims from the other party or if you need to file for compensation later on), you can follow this step.

• Get Information

Even if you're sure that the other party won't file a claim to recover damages, you still need to be careful and proactive. So, make sure you take note of the other driver's full name, contact information, license number, insurance provider information, car make, and model. 

You can also talk to witnesses of the accident (if any) and get their information. This can help you strengthen your case (if there's any) in the future.

• Call A Car Accident Attorney 

In some cases, the other driver can change their story, claim an injury, and even sue you for compensation in the future. Also, you might later find out hidden car damage and delayed physical injuries after an accident. 

So, it's best to hire a car accident attorney in Fair Oaks who can assess your situation, guide you on whether to file a claim, fight for you in court, and get you the compensation you deserve. They can also help you build a solid case, negotiate with the other party's insurance company, and defend you in court if the other driver files a lawsuit against you.

• Never Admit Your Fault On-Spot Without Consulting Your Lawyer

You don't need to say "I'm sorry" to the other party even if you think the accident was your fault. Otherwise, the other driver can assume that it is your "admission of guilt." And this can hurt your case down the line. So, you need to avoid saying anything to the driver that might later be used against you.

• Get Your Car Inspected For Damages

You may not see any external damage to your car after the accident. But sometimes there could be internal problems that can show up later and cost you hundreds of dollars for repair. And if you've not claimed your insurance or asked for compensation from the other driver, you might have to end up spending the entire repair cost yourself. 

So, to avoid all of this, make sure to get your car to a repair shop nearby for a quick inspection after the accident. Plus, this will help you decide whether filing a claim or seeking compensation to cover your repair costs is the right move. 

For Expert Legal Advice After a No-Damage Car Accident, Speak to Our Lawyer Today!

Do You Need to Tell Your Insurance Company About Your No-Damage Car Accident?

Yes, absolutely! You might not want to claim anything after the minor accident to avoid affecting your premiums. But that's not the only thing that you need to keep in mind. In case the other driver files a claim, their insurance company might start an investigation, or they may file a lawsuit against you. 

And sooner or later, your insurer will find that out, which can cause increased premium rates or limited coverage options for you in the future. So, to avoid any unwanted trouble, you can report the accident to your insurance company (within 24-72 hours of the accident) right away. 

If you have any doubts about the entire process or about how to protect yourself after an accident, you can seek help from a car accident attorney in Fair Oaks. They'll know how to handle the legal matter safely and give you the peace of mind you're looking for.

Consult With Our Auto Accident Lawyer in Fair Oaks Now!

Takeaway

If you've been in a car accident that did not cause you or your car any visible damage, you still need to make sure that you follow the right steps to avoid any unexpected problems down the road. You'll need to check for any injuries, take pictures of the scene, report the accident to the police, and call an auto accident lawyer in Fair Oaks for legal help. 

They can help you with the right guidance, fight for you in court for compensation (if needed), and even defend you in case the other party files a lawsuit against you. The more prepared you are, the less chance there will be of facing unexpected bills and legal troubles.

Minor Accident, Big Worries? Doyle & O'Donnell Will Be By Your Side From Start To Finish!

You can rely on Doyle & O'Donnell for trusted legal advice in case of a car accident. We're a BBB-accredited company that's been in business for over three decades now. So, we know all the intricacies of car accident laws better than anyone else. 

When you leave your worries to our car accident attorney in Fair Oaks, you can rest assured that your legal case will be in good hands. We've already won millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. And we hope to do the same for you as well. 

So, call us now at 916-866-7947.