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Minor Car Crash vs. Major Accident: Key Differences

<p>Car accidents are common, unpredictable, and emotionally draining, but they are not all the same. There are minor car crashes, and then there are major accidents. Understanding the differences between them can put you on the right path for seeking compensation. In this post, we share key insights into how a minor car accident differs from a major accident, their common causes, and how to determine fault.</p><h2>What Is a Minor Car Accident?</h2><p>A minor vehicle accident is characterised by a low impact, with limited damage to the vehicle, and typically occurs at low speeds. A minor car accident can be anything from a ‘fender-bender’ to small dents, scratches, or even a cracked windscreen.</p><h3>Common Signs of a Minor Crash</h3><p>The following are some common signs of a minor car accident:&nbsp;</p><ul><li><p>Low force on the vehicles involved, with minimal damage</p></li><li><p>Minimal damage on the motor vehicle, such as bumper dents, cracked headlights, or paint damage</p></li><li><p>Vehicles colliding at low speed, usually within the local speed limit</p></li><li><p>Drivers involved sustain minor injuries, with no immediate medical assistance needed</p></li><li><p>No fluid leaks (such as oil or coolant)</p></li></ul><h3>Problems That Can Still Occur</h3><p>While a minor car accident may not seem serious at first, there can be some hidden issues, such as:</p><ul><li><p>Frame damage due to misalignment after the accident</p></li><li><p>Electrical problems if the wiring is affected</p></li><li><p>Hidden leaks due to damaged seals or a cracked radiator</p></li><li><p>Delayed pain, such as headaches, backache, or whiplash, once the initial impact wears off</p></li></ul><p>It is always best to get your car checked even after a minor car accident. Plus, if you experience any physical discomfort later, seek medical attention as soon as you can.</p><h2>Common Causes of Minor Car Crashes</h2><p>In most cases, minor car accidents happen due to a lack of concentration or poor judgement. Some of the most common causes include:</p><ul><li><p>Using a mobile phone while driving</p></li><li><p>Not maintaining the recommended following distance as per road safety standards</p></li></ul><p>Sometimes, these may be parking lot accidents, where the other driver scrapes your vehicle while reversing, misjudges a turn, or you ram into a stationary object</p><h2>Minor Car Accident Procedure</h2><p>In Australia, even a minor car accident entails following some protocols, especially if you want to keep your claims process straightforward:</p><h3>Legal Reporting Requirements</h3><p>Police reports are not always necessary if there is minor damage, but it is still advisable to exchange contact details with the other driver. However, a report is mandatory if:</p><ul><li><p>Any of the involved parties suffered severe injuries&nbsp;</p></li><li><p>The driver involved did not stop or exchange information&nbsp;</p></li><li><p>The driver appeared to be under an influence</p></li><li><p>There is damage to public property</p></li></ul><p>For minor car accidents, your only legal requirements are to collect thorough information for your insurance claim and to exchange contact details.&nbsp;</p><h3>Minor Accident But My Fault — Now What?</h3><p>Even if it is a minor accident and you caused it, you are financially responsible for the damages. Here is what typically happens in such cases:</p><ul><li><p>Exchange of contact and insurance details with the other driver involved</p></li><li><p>Your insurance company handles the claims process (if you have insurance coverage), but you pay an excess</p></li><li><p>You pay for your vehicle’s repairs, while your insurance will cover the not-at-fault driver’s damages (provided you have compulsory third-party (CTP) property damage insurance)</p><p></p></li></ul><h2>What Is Considered a Major Car Accident?</h2><p>A major accident generally involves a serious crash—be it single-vehicle or multi-vehicle. It is instantly recognisable by the severe damage to the motor vehicle and significant injuries sustained by those involved, such as traumatic brain damage, spinal cord damage, or other life-threatening conditions.</p><p>Major car accidents often involve high-speed collisions, and the impact is high, increasing the likelihood of fatalities.&nbsp;</p><h2>What to Do After a Major Accident</h2><p>Unlike minor car accidents, the typical protocol after a major crash involves ensuring personal safety and securing the scene. Here is the best course of action in such situations:</p><h3>Calling Emergency Services</h3><p>Once you have ensured the safety of yourself and others, call emergency services to report the accident. Contact police authorities and provide the necessary details, such as the accident location, your contact information, injuries, vehicles involved, etc.</p><h3>Getting Medical Help</h3><p>If required, call an ambulance so that you, as well as others injured, can receive the required medical attention. Adrenaline can often make you feel fine, but if you have been in a major accident, it is best to seek medical help at the slightest discomfort as soon as possible.</p><h3>Insurance Reporting and Documentation</h3><p>Report the accident to your insurer promptly. Then, try to gather as much information as you can to document the accident:&nbsp;</p><ul><li><p>Police-recorded accident details</p></li><li><p>Witness statements and their contact details, if possible</p></li><li><p>Photos and videos of the accident, the surrounding area, and property damage</p></li></ul><p>Gathering comprehensive evidence helps to smooth out the insurance claim, and the sooner you do it, the quicker your claims process can begin.</p><h2>Key Differences Between Minor and Major Accidents</h2><p>Here is a lowdown on how a minor accident differs from a major one:</p><ul><li><p><strong>Minor</strong>: Low impact<br><strong>Major</strong>: Severe—and multiple—impacts</p></li><li><p><strong>Minor: </strong>At low speeds<br><strong>Major: </strong>At moderate to high speeds</p></li><li><p><strong>Minor</strong>: Less-severe injuries<br><strong>Major:</strong> Injuries can be life-threatening or fatal</p></li><li><p><strong>Minor:</strong> No mandatory police reporting<br><strong>Major:</strong> Mandatory policy reporting</p></li><li><p><strong>Minor</strong>: Typically due to negligence or lack of concentration<br><strong>Major:</strong> Can happen due to poor traffic management</p></li></ul><h2>Determining Fault in Minor Car Accidents</h2><p>Determining fault in a minor crash will typically depend on the scenario. Here are some common scenarios:</p><ul><li><p><strong>Rear-End Crash:</strong> The rear-most driver is usually at fault for not paying attention or maintaining a safe distance.</p></li><li><p><strong>Right-Hand Turn Collision:</strong> The driver moving right is usually at fault.</p></li><li><p><strong>Lane-Merging Collision:</strong> The other driver entering the lane without giving way is usually at fault.</p></li></ul><h2>When to Seek Legal or Claims Assistance</h2><p>While minor accidents can be resolved without any professional assistance, you should seek legal advice if:</p><ul><li><p>The other driver (at fault) disputes liability, or their insurer denies your claim.</p></li><li><p>The at-fault driver is uninsured or lacks the required coverage.</p></li><li><p>There has been any personal injury.</p></li><li><p>There has been significant damage to your vehicle.&nbsp;</p></li><li><p>You are unaware of your rights after the accident or need to file an insurance claim to recover damages</p></li></ul><h2>How Right2Drive Helps Not-at-Fault Drivers After Minor or Major Accidents</h2><p>While minor and major accidents are different, both are equally disturbing, especially if you were not at fault and your vehicle needs to go for repairs. <a href="https://www.right2drive.com.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><u>Right2Drive</u></a> ensures that an accident does not disrupt the daily life of a driver if they did not cause the accident. We provide eligible drivers with accident replacement vehicles at no cost to them. There is no complex paperwork or long waiting times - just a simple, three-step process that helps you get a replacement car wherever you need it.&nbsp;</p><h2>When Right2Drive Can Provide a Replacement Car After an Accident</h2><p>With Right2Drive, not-at-fault drivers get quick and reliable access to accident replacement vehicles when:</p><ul><li><p>The accident involves another vehicle</p></li><li><p>They are not responsible and the other driver accepts liability</p></li><li><p>The at-fault driver and their insurer’s contact details are available</p></li><li><p>The not-at-fault driver’s car is immovable (our team guides you step by step through the process so you can get a replacement vehicle)</p></li></ul><p>If you were recently in a car accident and still have your car under repairs, our services can help you get back on the road after an accident without a hassle.</p><h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2><h3>What Is Considered a Minor Car Accident?</h3><p>A car accident is minor when it is low-impact and results in scrapes, scratches, and other minor damage. Minor accidents also involve less severe physical injuries.</p><h3>What Is the Difference Between a Minor Car Crash and a Major Accident?</h3><p>The severity of vehicle damage and physical injury is the key difference between minor crashes and major accidents. Minor accidents typically do not require emergency assistance or any police reports.</p><h3>Can I Get a Replacement Car After a Minor or Major Accident?</h3><p>Yes. If you meet our <a href="https://www.right2drive.com.au/am-i-eligible" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><u>eligibility criteria</u></a>, we can provide a replacement car.&nbsp;</p><h3>Can a Major Accident Lead to a Write-Off?</h3><p>Yes. In many cases, a major accident leads to a write-off, as the cost of repairing the vehicle exceeds its current market value.</p><h3>What Injuries Are Common in Major Accidents?</h3><p>Injuries, such as broken bones, head and brain trauma, and/or spinal injuries, are common in major accidents.</p><p></p><div class="__editor_html"><script type="application/ld+json">
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