What do I do after a minor car accident?

Concerns & risks

You were trying to park, and someone backed into you. Now you're both standing there unsure what to do.

Missing info now can make insurance harder later.

Causes & evidence

Stay safe, then document. Laws vary by state.

What to do

1. Check for injuries; call 911 if anyone is hurt.
2. Move to safety if possible.
3. Exchange names, insurance and plate numbers.
4. Take photos of both cars and the scene.
5. Notify your insurer.

Common mistakes: Common mistakes: agreeing to 'handle it without insurance' without documenting anything. Damage can be bigger than it looks. Take wide and close-up photos, note the time and location, and get witness contacts. Don't admit fault or sign anything you don't understand. Check whether your state requires reporting certain accidents. If it's a hit-and-run, call police. Afterward, write a short note of what happened while it's fresh, including weather and road conditions.

Speed Man tip: Don't argue about fault at the scene; stick to facts.

Wrap-up: Safety first. Exchange info. Photos and insurer.