A minor car accident describes a light or low-impact collision between two vehicles. Oftentimes, the cars are moving at a slow speed at the time of impact. Minor collisions may not cause physical injuries, but they could have the potential to, even if the crash seems mild. For this reason, it is important for those involved to know how to protect themselves physically and financially.
What Makes a Car Accident “Minor?”
A minor accident or fender bender causes no major damage or injuries. The cars involved are able to drive away from the crash scene rather than get towed. Neither vehicle’s airbag deployed in the collision due to low impact force. There may be light property damage, such as small scratches or shallow dents. There are no physical injuries.
Do Minor Car Accidents Need to Be Reported in New York?
Under New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law §605, drivers are only required to report a car accident to the New York Police Department if it involves a person injured or killed or property damage in excess of $1,000. These accidents must be reported to law enforcement within at least 10 days of the crash.
It is not legally necessary to report a minor car accident that does not meet these requirements to the police. However, it is highly recommended to involve the NYPD even after a minor crash to create an official police incident report. If you need to file an insurance claim for the accident, the police report provides a critical piece of evidence.
Minor Accidents Can Still Cause Major Injuries
Many drivers can fall into the trap of thinking that a minor or low-impact car accident cannot cause any significant damage. This is not the case. Sometimes, what may seem like a mild crash can cause serious physical injuries and expensive property damage. Replacing damaged parts may cost more than initially thought, for example, or a victim may discover injuries after the fact.
Delayed injury discovery is a common phenomenon after many automobile accidents. The victim’s adrenaline or shock from the crash may initially mask pain symptoms. Injuries might not be noticed until hours or even days later, once the inflammation or damage from the injury worsens. Common hidden injuries include whiplash, soft-tissue injuries, back injuries, spinal disk herniation, traumatic brain injuries and internal bleeding.
How to File a Claim for a Minor Car Accident in New York
The possibility of a delayed injury or expensive property losses in what at first appeared to be a minor crash is why, as a driver in New York, you should always take the proper steps after any vehicle collision, big or small. This includes reporting the wreck to the police and seeing a doctor.
If you experience compensable damages from a “minor” crash, New York’s no-fault law requires you to first seek compensation from your own insurance company (personal injury protection insurance). If you later discover that your injuries are severe, however, you will have the right to file a claim against the at-fault driver or party.
When to Bring a Lawyer Into Your Car Accident Claim
In the event that a minor car accident becomes a major problem with unexpected costs and more severe injuries than you originally thought, it’s important to bring an experienced lawyer into your case. Contacting an attorney in New York can ensure that your legal rights are protected from the start. Abaev Law Firm, PLLC offers free car accident case consultations. Call (212) 763-7738 today.