You must still notify your insurer. A seemingly minor injury can develop into a major medical issue, and a small demand can escalate into a full lawsuit. Your policy requires you to report all claims, and deciding not to report a “small” one puts you personally at risk. The insurer has the experience to evaluate the true risk. If coverage isn’t needed, they will simply close the file, but you have protected your position.

Document everything meticulously. Use your phone to take clear photos and videos of all damage to your vehicle, the surrounding scene (skid marks, debris), and your visible injuries. Note the exact time and location. Get contact information from any witnesses; their independent accounts are invaluable. This evidence is your strongest tool for proving the incident occurred and supporting your claim with insurers and police.

This is common. Your immediate documentation is key. Write down the exact time, what they said (e.g., “I’m okay, just startled”), and their observed behavior (e.g., “declined ambulance, walked to their car unassisted”). This creates a strong record that their initial reaction did not indicate serious injury. While people can discover injuries later, your contemporaneous notes provide crucial context and can challenge the severity or origin of claims made weeks or months after the incident.