The last thing any driver wants is to be involved in a car accident that leaves them injured or their property damaged. However, around 13 car accidents occur every minute on average which goes to show the prevalence of these unfortunate events. Learning the difference between a Minor and Major Car Accidents, along with what to do after an accident and the legal options you may have, can help you respond appropriately in the event of a wreck.
Minor Car Accident vs. Major Car Accident
While the difference between a Minor and Major Car Accidents may not seem like much, it can make a large difference in the court of law. Put simply, a minor car accident just refers to any accident in which there are typically minor injuries or no injuries, but the property of one person is damaged. Fender benders are perhaps the most common example of a minor accident, and these types of accidents rarely end up in court.
On the other hand, a major car accident almost always results in serious injuries that require the assistance of a medical professional. Serious damage to property occurs, such as a vehicle being totaled, and the situation most likely ends up going to a courtroom for legal and financial remediation.
Legal Remediations and Actions Depending Upon the Type of Accident
As mentioned, the vast majority of minor car accidents will not make it to a courtroom as there shouldn’t have been any injuries and property damage should be light. The only time a minor car accident would typically end up in court is if one minorly injured party sues the other for negligence.
Major car accidents can result in tens of thousands of dollars being paid out by the responsible party with this compensation ranging from injury to property damage costs. Regardless of the type of accident that occurred, though, avoiding an accident entirely is the best way to avoid ending up in a courtroom.
Steps to Take if You’re Involved in a Car Accident
Finding yourself involved in a car accident and reaching out to an accredited personal injury lawyer is a frustrating and daunting experience, but the best way to reduce further injury and potential legal repercussions is to learn what to do in the event of an accident:
- Get all vehicles out of the road as soon as possible so that oncoming traffic doesn’t need to make a sudden move to avoid the wreck
- Inspect yourself and others in your vehicle for injury and contact medical services right away if there has been a severe injury
- Trade contact information with the other driver along with insurance information so that you can file a claim later down the road
- Take photos of any damage to your vehicle or the other driver’s vehicle as proof of what occurred
- Potentially contact the authorities if necessary if there is debris in the road or if there is another similar reason
- Call your insurance company to inform them that the accident occurred
How to Avoid a Car Accident While on the Road
The best way to avoid a car accident beyond recognizing the signs that an accident is about to occur is to avoid the accident entirely in the first place. The following tips can be used to reduce the likelihood of a wreck:
- Scan the road at least twelve to thirteen seconds ahead of you to see if there are road hazards that require attention
- Leave at least four seconds of following space between you and any vehicles that are in front of you
- Avoid driving in poor weather conditions that you do not have experience driving in
- Never drive when it is nighttime, and you have not gotten any sleep
- Never drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol while on the road
- Handle preventative maintenance on your vehicle regularly
The Bottom Line
Even the best drivers may find themselves involved in a car accident at some point in their lives despite their best efforts. The most important thing to do in any situation where an accident occurs, whether minor or major, is to respond calmly and efficiently. If there are injuries, don’t hesitate to call medical services so that those injuries can be treated. Should you be injured in an accident caused by another person, reach out to a lawyer in your area to see what specific legal actions may be available to you.
