Nothing ruins your day faster. You were driving to work, running errands or heading home, minding your own business – and then it happened.

A fender bender is not the worst thing in the world. And even though we all hate a broken taillight or crumpled bumper, you can still drive the car home. The driver who hit you offers you to give you some cash at the accident scene, in order to avoid a police report or insurance claim. While this may seem like the quickest way to resolve the situation, it may end up costing you money in the long run. Here’s why.

No matter how minor the accident may seem – and even if you don’t feel that you have sustained any type of injury – making the decision on the spot to waive any claim against the other driver is not in your best interest for several reasons.

Leaving the accident scene without a police report may seem harmless enough, especially if the accident is minor. However, you never know what the other party may do. If they subsequently file a lawsuit against you and there is no record of the incident, you may be forced to try to defend yourself after the fact. Documenting even the most minor of accidents allows you to have a third party record of the extent of damage to the car, and the perceived injuries visible at the time.
If the other driver is hiding something – such as not having insurance – you do not want to find yourself in a lawsuit as they seek to have their damages paid by you. Always record the information of the other driver.
Unless you are a mechanic or automotive expert, you may not realize the extent of the damage to your car. For instance, you may assume that you just need to repaint your car, but the mechanic may tell you the frame is bent. You will then be left to cover that damage on your own. Although Florida is a no-fault state and most minor accidents are not likely to exceed your personal $10,000 limit, it never hurts to have the contact information of the other driver, as well as their insurance, just in case.
Injuries may not appear until days later. After an accident, you may feel fine – but whiplash, back and neck pain, or headaches may begin to plague you days later. Sometimes the internal problems don’t manifest right away, so walking away with a few hundred dollars may fall far short of your actual costs and medical bills.

After an accident of any magnitude, you should always do a few things.

Make sure you and all your passengers are safe and unhurt.
After taking a few quick photos (if it is safe to do so) of the accident scene, move your car off the road and away from traffic.
If your car cannot be moved, be sure that you are waiting in a safe place.
Call police and emergency vehicles if you even suspect an injury of any kind.
Take the contact information of the other driver, and ask for insurance information.
Take photos of the accident scene, and any factors that may play a role in your case – such as a pothole you swerved to avoid or a non-working traffic light.
Write down your version of the accident as soon as possible.
Ask witnesses if they are willing to speak with police.
Schedule a checkup even if you do not think you were injured.
Keep all documentation just in case.

As always, if you suspect you may have a claim, it is always a good idea to speak with a personal injury attorney. We can help you to determine the merits of your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and accompany you to court if need be. If you were involved in a Sarasota or Tampa car accident, be sure to call Probinsky & Cole first.