Ryan Findlay | October 26, 2023 | Car Accidents

Should I Hire a Lawyer After a Minor Car Accident?

Minor car accidents can still have major consequences, though they may not be apparent right away. You may have injuries that manifest later on, find yourself facing a lawsuit from the other driver, be dealing with an adversarial insurance company, and more. 

Contacting an experienced personal injury lawyer after a minor car accident can have major benefits. The legal team at Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help you understand your options and navigate your next steps.

Read on to learn about when and why you may want to hire a lawyer after a minor car accident.

What Is a Minor Car Accident?

A minor car accident is one that causes minimal injuries or damage. They may include slight fender benders, low-speed parking lot accidents, or accidents that result in only a cracked headlight or taillight. 

A minor car accident may have no apparent injuries or only minor injuries. Nonetheless, it may still be in your best interest to hire a lawyer after this type of crash.

Why You Should Hire a Lawyer After a Minor
Car Accident in Hamilton, ON

While a minor car accident may appear to have caused very little damage, it can still have costly consequences. These may include:

The injuries May Be More Serious Than You Think

Latent–or hidden–injuries are not readily apparent after an accident. While some injuries would be obvious, such as broken bones or severe cuts or bruises, other injuries do not show symptoms right away. 

For example, traumatic brain injuries, neck injuries, back injuries, muscle sprains, or bruising may not be noticeable immediately after an accident. 

It’s important to seek medical attention after an accident, even if you don’t think you were injured. This may help detect injuries sooner and let you begin treatment as soon as possible. It will also make it easier to seek compensation for any injuries you suffered.

The Damages May Be Higher Than You Think

If you were hit by another driver in a minor car accident, your first instinct might be to get the other driver’s information, contact your insurance company, file a claim, and move on with your life. This sounds like a simple enough course of action.

However, even minor car accidents can be more complicated. For example, the insurance companies may not offer you the compensation you deserve to fix your vehicle or account for the car’s loss in value, or the other driver may later file a claim arguing that you were at fault. 

What To Do After a Minor Car Accident in Hamilton, ON

If you are involved in a minor car accident in Hamilton, you should take the following steps:

  • Stop your vehicle. You may be criminally investigated if you leave the scene.
  • Check for injuries. If you or someone else is seriously injured, call 911.
  • Exit your car. If it is safe to do so, exit your vehicle to survey the damage and take photos or videos.
  • Move your car. If possible, move your vehicle out of traffic.
  • Exchange information. Exchange personal details with the other driver.
  • Call the police. You should call the police if there are injuries, substantial vehicle damage, or if the other driver appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  • Contact a personal injury lawyer to review your case and discuss your next steps.

You may need to contact a collision reporting center and your insurance company, but contacting a personal injury lawyer first can help you understand the proper next steps.

Contact an Experienced Hamilton Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you were involved in a minor car accident in Hamilton, ON, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you receive the compensation you deserve and make sure you’re protected from any unforeseen costs. For a free case evaluation, contact us today.


Get the support you need for optimal recovery with Findlay Personal Lawyers

Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers – Hamilton 
 20 Hughson Street South 510 Hamilton, ON, L8N 2A1 
(905) 522 9799

Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers – Brantford
 325 West StreetBrantford, ON N3R 3V6
(519) 751 9169

Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers – Burlington 
Fairview St, Burlington #2349 Burlington, ON, L7R 2E3
(905) 522 9799

Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Catharines
55 King St #207 St. Catharines, ON, L2R 3H5
(905) 685 3085