What to Do After a Fender Bender in California?

A fender bender might seem like a minor inconvenience—just a quick bump at a red light or a scrape in a crowded parking lot. But even low-speed collisions can lead to bigger problems if not handled properly.

You might be asking: Who’s responsible? Do I need to report it? Should I call a lawyer?

The truth is, your response in the first few minutes after a fender bender can impact your health, finances, and legal rights. And while the damage may appear small, that doesn’t mean the risks are.

A fender bender is still legally classified as a car accident, and the way you document and report it can determine how insurance companies, police, and even courts treat your case.

Let’s walk through exactly what to do—and what to avoid—if you’re involved in one.

What is a fender bender?

A fender bender is a low-speed car accident that usually results in minor damage—like dents, scratches, or a bent bumper. These incidents often seem small, but they can raise important legal and insurance issues.

Typical Scenarios

Fender benders happen every day in places where vehicles are close together. Common examples include:

• A rear-end tap at a stop sign
• Scraping another car while pulling into a parking space
• Bumping into a vehicle during rush hour
• Low-speed contact in drive-thrus or parking garages

These situations might feel routine, but they still carry liability risks and can cause injuries, especially if handled incorrectly.

Top Causes of Fender Benders

Most fender benders happen because drivers are distracted, following too closely, or reacting too late in traffic. Even small errors at low speeds can lead to damage and liability.

Here are the most common causes:

• Distracted driving: Looking at your phone, adjusting the GPS, eating, or even glancing away briefly can result in a crash.
• Tailgating: Not leaving enough space behind another vehicle increases the risk of rear-end collisions.
• Sudden braking: Quick or unexpected stops—especially in heavy traffic—can catch following drivers off guard.
• Poor visibility or weather: Rain, fog, and glare reduce reaction time and make fender benders more likely.
• Rolling stops: Failing to come to a complete stop at intersections or stop signs often leads to side-swipes or minor impacts.

Busy areas like city streets and parking lots are hotspots for these types of incidents, especially when multiple risk factors overlap.

Why Even Small Car Accidents Can Cause Injuries

Even low-speed collisions can cause real harm—especially to muscles, ligaments, and joints. The damage may not be visible on your car, but that doesn’t mean your body escaped unscathed.

Common injuries include:

• Whiplash
• Muscle strain
• Concussions
• Lower back pain

Injuries like these don’t always show up right away. You might feel fine at first, only to experience headaches, dizziness, or stiffness hours—or even days—later. That’s why it’s important to monitor your symptoms and see a doctor if anything feels off.

And while rare, minor accidents can sometimes result in serious outcomes. In high-risk situations—like when pedestrians or cyclists are involved—even a low-impact crash could escalate into a wrongful death claim.

Small accidents deserve serious attention. Your health and legal rights could depend on it.

First Steps to Take After a Fender Bender

Even a minor crash can be overwhelming in the moment. Taking the right steps immediately after the incident protects your health, your insurance claim, and your legal standing.

Make Sure You’re Safe  

Start by checking yourself and your passengers for injuries. Don’t ignore soreness or dizziness—call 911 if anything feels off.

If it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights. If you can’t move the car, stay inside with your seatbelt on until help arrives.

Call the Authorities  

Call 911 if anyone is injured or if the other driver is uncooperative. If there’s significant damage or confusion about what happened, ask for police assistance.

If officers respond, request the report number and the officer’s name. If no one arrives, consider filing a report at your local police station—it could become valuable later if there’s a dispute.

Exchange Information  

Share the following with the other driver:

• Full name and contact information
• Driver’s license number
• License plate number
• Vehicle make, model, and year
• Insurance company and policy number

Stay polite, but don’t admit fault—even casually. Let the insurance companies and, if needed, legal professionals determine liability.

Document Everything  

Take photos and notes before any vehicles are moved. Capture:

• Damage to all vehicles
• License plates
• Road conditions, weather, and skid marks
• Traffic signs and signals
• Wide-angle shots of the scene

If witnesses are present, ask for their names and contact details. Their statements can help support your case if there’s disagreement later.

Notify Your Insurance Provider  

Report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible—even if it seems minor or the other driver admits fault. Delaying this step could violate your policy and limit your ability to recover damages.

Provide only the facts and share the documentation you’ve gathered.

Consider Seeing a Doctor  

Some injuries develop slowly. If you feel sore, dizzy, or notice unusual symptoms in the hours or days that follow, get medical care. Your health comes first—and medical records also help support injury claims.

Call a Lawyer If You Were Hurt  

If you’ve suffered any injury—even if it seems minor—consider speaking with a personal injury lawyer. Medical bills, lost wages, and long-term pain can follow even the smallest crashes. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and improve your chances of fair compensation.

California Law: Do You Have to Report It?

In California, even a minor car accident like a fender bender can trigger important legal responsibilities. Failing to report properly could affect your driving privileges, your insurance, and your ability to recover compensation.

Reporting to the DMV

State law requires you to report any accident involving injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage to the DMV—regardless of who was at fault or where the accident occurred.

To do this, you must complete and submit Form SR-1 within 10 days of the incident. This applies to every involved driver, not just the one believed to be at fault.

You can file the report online through the DMV’s official accident reporting portal.

Reporting to Law Enforcement

Not every fender bender requires police presence, but you should call the police if:

• Someone is injured or complains of pain
• Property damage appears significant
• The other driver is impaired, aggressive, or uncooperative
• There’s a dispute about what happened

If officers respond to the scene, get the report number and a copy for your records. If no one shows up, you may still file a report at a nearby station.

Police reports can be critical in proving fault, especially when injuries are involved or accounts of the incident differ.

Insurance Reporting Requirements

Most insurance policies require that you report any accident involving your vehicle—even a minor one—within a short time frame. Some insurers in California have tightened reporting windows as of 2025.

If the other driver contacts their insurer first, you could be at a disadvantage if your company hasn’t heard your version of events. Prompt reporting helps protect your claim.

Penalties for Not Reporting

Failing to meet reporting obligations can lead to:

• DMV license suspension
• Fines or potential hit-and-run classification
• Policy violations that void insurance coverage
• Weakening your legal case if you seek compensation later

Timely reporting is more than a formality—it’s essential to protecting both your legal rights and your financial recovery.

Do you need a lawyer for a fender bender?

Not every small car accident requires legal help. If there are no injuries, both drivers agree on what happened, and the damage is minor, you can often resolve the situation through your insurance company.

But not every case is that simple. Even a seemingly minor fender bender can lead to disputes, hidden injuries, or unpaid costs. That’s when a lawyer can make a big difference.

When to Consult a Lawyer

You should consider speaking with an attorney if:

• You develop symptoms of an injury days or weeks later (like whiplash, back pain, or a concussion)
• The other driver denies fault or gives a conflicting version of the accident
• The insurance company offers a low settlement that doesn’t cover your expenses
• The at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured

A qualified lawyer can help protect your rights, deal with insurers, and gather the documentation needed to support your case.

How Prestige Law Can Help

At Prestige Law Firm, we’ve been representing injured drivers across California since the early 2000s. Whether your case involves minor injuries or more serious outcomes, we know how to pursue full and fair compensation.

We’ve recovered substantial settlements for clients by:

• Documenting injuries and treatment
• Gathering photos, witness statements, and police reports
• Dealing with uncooperative insurers
• Managing negotiations from start to finish

Every case gets personal attention, with no handoffs to junior staff. You’ll work directly with an experienced attorney from day one.

Call (818) 424-4620 or contact us online for a free consultation and find out how we can help.

Conclusion  

A fender bender might seem like a small incident, but it still raises serious questions about liability, medical costs, and insurance responsibilities. Taking the right steps—reporting the accident, documenting the scene, and seeking medical care—can make all the difference.

Don’t assume a minor accident will sort itself out. Unexpected injuries or disputes can surface days or weeks later. Protect yourself by gathering evidence early and understanding your legal rights.

If things get complicated, Prestige Law Firm is here to help. Whether you’re unsure about next steps, facing an insurance issue, or dealing with a dispute, our team is ready to guide you toward the outcome you deserve.

Not sure what working with a lawyer looks like? Learn more about our process and what to expect when you partner with us.

FAQs

Should I report a fender bender to my insurance?

Yes. Even if the damage appears minor, reporting the accident protects you in case the other driver changes their story or files a claim later.

Will a fender bender raise my insurance rates?

It can, especially if you’re found at fault. However, some insurers offer accident forgiveness for first-time or low-cost claims.

What if the other driver doesn’t want to involve insurance?

You should still report the accident to your insurer. Private agreements can fall apart, and if the other driver files a claim later, you could be caught off guard.

What if I was hit while parked?

Take photos of the damage, file a police report if possible, and contact your insurance company to start the claims process.