Summer in Minnesota means road trips up north, busy lake weekends, and a whole lot more vehicles on the road. And unfortunately, more traffic means more chances for fender benders. Whether it’s a parking lot bump at the State Fair or a rear-end tap on I-94, knowing what to do in the moments after a collision can save you a lot of stress, money, and headaches down the road.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide from the team at Oakdale Collision Center to help you handle a summer fender bender like a pro.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Check for Injuries
The first thing to do after any collision — no matter how minor — is take a breath and check on everyone involved. Ask your passengers if they’re okay, and check on the other driver and any passengers in their vehicle. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately.
Even if nobody seems hurt, it’s smart to stay alert. Adrenaline can mask pain in the moments right after an accident, and some injuries don’t show up right away.
Step 2: Move to Safety if You Can
If the vehicles are drivable and you’re blocking traffic, carefully move them to the shoulder or a nearby parking lot. Turn on your hazard lights so other drivers can see you. If the cars can’t be moved, stay inside with your seatbelt on until help arrives — especially on a busy highway.
Step 3: Call the Police
Even for minor accidents, filing a police report is a good idea. It creates an official record of what happened, which can be incredibly helpful when dealing with insurance companies later. In Minnesota, you’re required to report any accident that results in injury or more than $1,000 in property damage.
Step 4: Document Everything
Before anyone moves the vehicles, take photos — lots of them. Capture the damage to both cars, the surrounding area, road conditions, any relevant signage, and the position of the vehicles. Also write down or photograph the other driver’s name, phone number, insurance information, license plate, and driver’s license number.
If there are witnesses nearby, ask for their contact information too. You’ll be glad you did.
Step 5: Notify Your Insurance Company
Call your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident — even if you weren’t at fault. Most insurers have a window of time in which you’re required to report a claim, and waiting too long can complicate the process. Be honest and stick to the facts when describing what happened.
Step 6: Choose Your Own Repair Shop
Here’s something many drivers don’t realize: you have the legal right to choose where your vehicle gets repaired. Your insurance company may suggest a preferred shop, but you are never required to use it. Choose a shop you trust — one with certified technicians, a strong reputation, and a warranty on their work.
Step 7: Get Your Vehicle Inspected — Even if It Looks Fine
Summer fender benders can look deceivingly minor on the outside. Bumper damage, frame misalignment, and hidden structural issues aren’t always visible to the naked eye — but they absolutely affect how your car drives and how safe it is in a future accident. Always get a professional inspection after any collision.
At Oakdale Collision Center, we’ve been helping Minnesota drivers recover from accidents since 2000. Our I-CAR Gold certified technicians will thoroughly assess your vehicle, handle your insurance claim paperwork, and restore your car to pre-accident condition — guaranteed. We work with all insurance companies and keep you updated every step of the way.
Summer should be about enjoying the open road — not stressing over repairs. If you’ve been in a fender bender, we’re here to make the process as easy as possible.
Stop by Oakdale Collision Center at 1040 Gershwin Ave N, Oakdale, MN 55128, or call us at (651) 264-0909.