> In Europe the most likely response to such a minimal accident would be two parties getting out of their car, assessing the damage - if any - filling out a for

> In Europe the most likely response to such a minimal accident would be two parties getting out of their car, assessing the damage - if any - filling out a form and getting on with their day after taking some pictures and shaking hands. I've been in 3 (minor) accidents in the U.S., and they've all basically ended that way. - I rear-ended a pickup truck. He had his back gate down, and didn't suffer any damage. He shrugged and drove off. - A private security patrol car rear-ended me. We took pictures of each other's license and insurance. I filed a claim with my insurance, and their insurance paid the claim. - A semi/lorry made an illegal turn and hit me. The driver wasn't afraid of a lawsuit, but that he'd lose points on his driver's license and have it revoked. We traded license+insurance information and left. 25 years ago, my mother was in 2 major accidents within a month (neither were her fault). She still suffers from those injuries, but she never filed suit. I'd have to say that "the most likely response" in the U.S. is probably similar to that in Europe, but the best case is no better in the US, and the worst case is much worse.