3 Things You Should Do Following a Minor Car Crash

Tony Mers • February 22, 2018

Every year, there are roughly 6 million auto accidents that occur on U.S. roads.

Though many of those accidents are severe and often result in serious injuries or worse, the majority of collisions on the U.S. roads aren’t as severe. Minor accidents and fender benders happen all the time and are an inevitable part of driving, but there are good ways and bad ways of handling these situations.

Far too many drivers, both young and old, ignore any damage received during a minor accident and only tend to their vehicle’s needs after a serious crash. That’s a terrible move for a few reasons: your car might look worse with any dents or scratches on it, there could potentially be underlying issues with your car that result in major problems down the road, and you should always want to drive the best possible version of your vehicle. On top of that, that minor damage could seriously affect the value of your car should you decide to sell or replace your current vehicle!

Immediately following a minor car crash, it’s essential that you still do the following things:


  1. Check your car’s battery -- One issue that occurs a lot following minor collisions is a reduction in a car’s battery life. Bring your vehicle into a car body shopto get your battery looked at if you don’t know what to look for.

  2. Inspect every inch of your car’s exterior -- Even the smallest car collision can cause dents, scratches, and issues with the paint job. After a crash, you should carefully take a look at every single inch of your vehicle and see if you have to have any additional assistance.

  3. Have your vehicle’s undercarriage looked at -- You most likely don’t have the equipment to lift your car up in the area and have a look underneath yourself, so you should bring it to a team of professionals who can. That’s where a quality car body shop comes in.

Whether you need collision repair, auto glass repair, paint assistance, bumper repair, dent repair, or simply want to learn more about taking care of your own vehicle, you need to work with a team of experienced professionals. Visit a trusted car body shop as soon as your vehicle has succumbed to any damage. If you’re in the Chicago area, your best bet is to contact River North Collision Repair right away!

A woman wearing sunglasses and a patterned scarf leaning against a black car inside an auto service
By River North Collision Repair September 17, 2026
Spot common signs of pothole damage, from tire problems to dents, vibrations, and uneven wear. Know when your car may need professional repairs.
A black SUV with open doors parked inside an auto service bay with hoses, bins, other cars, and over
September 15, 2026
Looking to repair or replace your car? Before deciding which option works for you, consider repair costs, your vehicle's value, the damage, and safety.
A person wearing gloves using a polisher on a gray car panel with yellow tape along the window edges
September 3, 2026
Car paint damage from accidents, vandalism, or weather may qualify for insurance coverage. Learn what factors can affect your claim and repair costs.
August 27, 2026
Foggy headlights can reduce visibility and affect your vehicle’s appearance. Find out what causes cloudy lenses and how professional repair can restore clarity.
Auto Body Shop vs Dealership: Cost, Quality, and Time
August 25, 2026
Compare an auto body shop vs. a dealership for cost, repair quality, and turnaround time to choose the right collision repair option for your vehicle.
A woman holding up a key fob in front of a black car that is parked indoors, with the front grille
August 24, 2026
Protect your car from door dings with nine practical parking tips that help prevent dents, preserve your vehicle's appearance, and reduce repair costs.
A man wiping the front of a black car with an orange cloth inside an automotive service area with eq
By River North Collision Repair August 10, 2026
Restore oxidized car paint before fading and surface damage worsen. Find the common causes and restoration options that protect your vehicle's finish.
Inside an automotive workshop, a technician is using a drill to remove the lug nuts on the tire of a
By River North Collision Repair July 28, 2026
Broken axle symptoms can affect vehicle safety and performance. Identify four common warning signs and learn when professional axle repair becomes necessary.
A close-up of a black car's side mirror and tinted window with bright reflections against a dark bac
By River North Collision Repair July 10, 2026
Get a clear overview of car door damage repair costs, common pricing factors, and when repairs or replacement make the most sense for your vehicle.
Diminished Value Claims in Illinois: What You Should Know
By River North Collision Repair June 29, 2026
Illinois drivers should know how diminished-value claims work after a collision and what steps can help them recover the loss of their vehicle's value.