fenderbender

Fenderbender is a colloquial term used mainly in North America to describe a minor automobile collision in which there is little or no injury and only minor damage, often to a vehicle’s fender or bumper. The word combines “fender,” a car body element, with “bender” to imply a small, cosmetic crash. It is informal and not used in official traffic reporting or legal language.

Most fender benders occur at low speeds, commonly in parking lots or during slow-moving traffic, when vehicles sideswipe or bump into each other. The resulting damage is usually cosmetic or limited to a small area, and repair costs are typically low. Despite the benign-sounding name, injuries can occur and may be delayed or overlooked, so attention to health after an incident is important.

Handling a fender bender typically involves exchanging information with the other driver, documenting the scene with photos, and notifying one’s insurance company. Depending on local law and the severity of damage, police may or may not be called; some jurisdictions require police reports for certain thresholds of damage or when injuries are suspected. Insurance claims may be filed by one or both parties, and repairs are often coordinated through auto body shops. If symptoms such as pain or stiffness appear after the crash, seeking medical evaluation is advisable even if initial symptoms are absent.