It’s something many drivers do: brush off a minor car accident, thinking it’s not worth the hassle to make a claim. After all, if the damage seems small, or no one is seriously injured, why bother? However, there’s more to it than just what you see on the surface. Even minor accidents can have hidden consequences that may cost you more in the long run if you don’t file a claim. Let’s explore why you should always consider making a claim, no matter how insignificant the accident may seem. Trust us, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
The Hidden Costs of Minor Accidents
Minor accidents often leave drivers thinking there’s nothing wrong with their vehicles, but the reality is, even a small bump can result in hidden damages. While your car might look fine at first glance, certain parts—like the suspension, alignment, or even the engine—could suffer long-term effects. These hidden damages can result in costly repairs down the road, so it’s always best to claim. Injuries, too, can take time to show up. A whiplash injury or soft tissue damage might not feel bad immediately after the incident, but these types of injuries often worsen in the following days or weeks. If you don’t make a claim, you might find yourself dealing with mounting medical expenses later on. By filing a claim, you ensure that any treatment required, now or in the future, is covered by your insurance. Finally, even if the repair costs seem small, you may find that the cost of dealing with the accident on your own far outweighs what your insurance would cover. It’s always worth investigating whether your policy will help with costs before making the decision to go it alone. Click on the link for assistance in determining whose insurance to call after an accident.
The Risk of Not Claiming
It might seem tempting to skip the paperwork after a minor accident, especially if the damage is light, but this decision could backfire. The risk of not claiming can actually cost you more in the long run. Often, small injuries like back pain or neck stiffness don’t appear right away but develop over time. If you wait too long to seek treatment, it might be harder to link those symptoms to the accident, and your insurance may not cover them. Additionally, there’s the issue of damage that’s not immediately visible. Minor collisions can cause issues with your car’s internal systems that might not become apparent until you’re driving a few weeks or months later. If you don’t claim straight away, you could end up footing the bill for repairs that could have been covered by your insurance.
On top of this, there are legal risks. Failing to report an accident, no matter how minor, could hurt your case if the other driver decides to pursue a claim. You might be asked to provide evidence of the accident, and if it’s not reported, you may have a harder time proving what happened.
When Not to Claim
While we’ve made the case for why you should generally make a claim, there are a few exceptions where claiming might not be necessary. For example, if the accident caused little or no damage, and the cost of repairs is lower than your excess, you may want to consider covering the costs yourself.
Similarly, if both parties agree not to involve insurance companies and everything is settled privately, there’s no need to file a claim. However, even in these situations, it’s important to get everything in writing, and make sure you’re not overlooking any potential costs down the line. Always weigh the pros and cons before making your decision. If you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to speak with your insurance company to get their advice.
Will Compensation be Impacted by Not Wearing a Seatbelt?
Imagine the scenario where you’re in a car accident, and it was caused by the other driver. Unfortunately, your vehicle is badly damaged, and you’ve sustained injuries. You know that in a claim, the other driver should have to pay you compensation. After all, you weren’t doing anything wrong on the road. But, there’s one problem. You realise that you weren’t wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident. Is this going to matter?
Seatbelts Impact Compensation
First of all, you won’t be barred from claiming compensation just because you weren’t wearing a seatbelt.
At the end of the day, the other driver caused the accident. It’s their fault that there was a crash, which means that they will owe you a certain amount of compensation. However, you do still have a legal responsibility to wear a seatbelt. This means that your compensation can be lowered in order to account for contributory negligence.
Injuries Will Be Examined
In particular, the injuries you’ve sustained from the car crash will be examined carefully in order to calculate compensation. It’s necessary to find out whether they would have been less if you were wearing a seatbelt. For example, if you broke a bone in an accident, but it was found that this wouldn’t have happened if you were following the rules, this can significantly lower the compensation you receive.
Therefore, be prepared for a thorough investigation of your claim. After all, the other driver is going to be arguing that this was a contributing factor. Just make sure that you’re not deterred from making a claim. A professional will be able to assist you and ensure that you’re represented.
Conclusion
Claiming for a car accident, no matter how minor, is always the safest and smartest choice. From hidden damage to future health concerns, making a claim ensures that you’re covered now and in the future. It may seem like an inconvenience, but the long-term protection and peace of mind are well worth it. So, the next time you’re involved in an accident—no matter how small—take the time to file a claim. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
