08 Dec Learn the Facts on Fender Benders
Even a minor fender bender can cause auto damage, property damage, and injuries. Luckily, it’s easy to avoid fender benders by paying attention to your surroundings at all times while driving and practicing defensive driving techniques. At National Auto Collision Centers, we know how upsetting a fender bender can be. If you get into a fender bender and need auto repairs, we will tow your car to one of our three convenient auto collision repair centers in Tucson, AZ. Our certified auto technicians offer major and minor collision repair, including body damage repair and auto painting. Keep reading for the facts on fender benders.
What Is a Fender Bender?
A fender bender is a minor car accident that usually occurs at a low speed. Fender benders often occur on residential streets, in parking lots, and as people pull away from curbs or out of their driveways. A fender bender can involve impact with another car, an object, a stationary obstruction like a wall, or a person or animal.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Fender Benders?
The most common cause of fender benders is distracted driving. Talking to someone in person or on the phone, messing around with your phone or the radio, or looking somewhere other than the direction in which you’re driving will significantly increase your risk of a fender bender. Common causes of fender benders include:
- Aggressive driving
- Driving while fatigued
- Driving while intoxicated
- Failure to check blind spots
- Confusing, hard to see, or absent traffic signage or signals
- Poor visibility
- Poor roadway conditions
- Driver error or negligence
- Unexpected obstacles or people in the roadway
What Should You Do If You Get Into a Fender Bender?
If you get into a fender bender, you should first make sure everyone in your car and the other car (if there is one) is okay. Next, you should make sure no vehicles are blocking the roadway, and safely move them if possible. If it isn’t possible to move your car, put your hazard lights on. Next, call 911 to report the accident, even if there aren’t injuries. Take photos and video of the accident scene, including damage to cars and property. If another driver was involved, exchange insurance and contact information. If you have any injuries, visit an urgent care or your primary doctor. Call your insurance company and begin the claims process.
Will a Fender Bender Make Your Insurance Go Up?
It is possible that a fender bender will make your insurance rates go up, depending on the details of the accident, your age, who was at fault, the extent of the damage, and how long you have been a licensed driver.
Auto Damage From Fender Benders
You should assess any auto damage you have sustained in a fender bender. If you notice any dents, dings, scratches, or structural damage to your car, you should make note of it in your insurance claim and take your car to one of our auto collision centers for repairs.
Get Fender Bender Repair From National Auto Collision Centers
After a fender bender, call us at National Auto Collision Centers in Tucson, AZ. We can arrange for your car to be towed to one of our locations, free of charge. We work with most national auto insurance companies on billing, payment, and claims and we will find out if a rental car is included in your coverage. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call us today or contact us online.