Common Injuries Caused By Low-Speed Car Accidents
Even minor motor vehicle collisions can lead to significant injuries
When most people think of car accidents, they probably imagine high-speed collisions and dramatic crashes often seen in movies and TV shows. However, a significant portion of vehicle-related injuries occur during fender benders and low-speed car accidents.
Insurance companies and adjusters often dismiss these incidents as inconsequential. However, even low-speed crashes can lead to injuries that may not be immediately apparent. Whether you're a driver, passenger, or pedestrian, it’s important to understand your legal rights if you’re hurt in a low-impact collision and speak to an experienced car accident lawyer.
At Armando Personal Injury Law in Tampa, our attorneys have extensive experience in helping individuals who have been injured in all types of car accidents, including low-speed collisions.
What is a fender bender or low-speed car accident?
Fender benders and low-speed car accidents typically occur at speeds less than 20 miles per hour. These incidents typically result in minimal vehicle damage, and those involved often underestimate the potential for injuries.
These types of accidents often occur in areas with dense traffic or complex driving environments. These include parking lots, residential areas, regulated intersections, and congested urban streets. They can also happen on main roads or highways during heavy traffic.
Despite their seemingly mild nature, low-speed collisions make up a large portion of car accidents. The most common causes of fender benders are distracted driving, poor weather conditions, and following too closely during heavy traffic.
What are common injuries from low-speed collisions?
Despite the minimal vehicle damage caused by low-speed car accidents, the human body is still susceptible to significant injuries in any motor vehicle crash. Below are the most common types of injuries that occur in fender benders and low-speed collisions.
Whiplash
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries sustained in rear-end collisions. It occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and then backward. This places strain on the neck muscles and ligaments and can lead to neck pain and stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and sometimes blurred vision or memory problems.
While many people recover from whiplash within a few weeks, others may experience chronic neck pain and long-term mobility issues.
Soft tissue injuries
Soft tissue injuries involve damage to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They can cause pain, swelling, and reduced mobility. Unlike fractures or more obvious injuries, soft tissue damage can be harder to diagnose through standard imaging tests. Symptoms can also take several days to appear.
Concussions and other mild traumatic brain injuries
Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries can occur even without a direct blow to the head. The force of a car accident can cause the brain to move violently within the skull, resulting in damage. Symptoms can include headaches, confusion, dizziness, and changes in mood or behavior. Even mild concussions can have serious consequences and affect cognitive function and neurological health.
Bone fractures
The force of a low-speed collision can still be enough to cause broken bones. Vulnerable parts of the body—such as the hands, wrists, or feet—are the most susceptible to fractures. These are often stress fractures or small breaks that may not be immediately evident.
Lacerations and abrasions
Broken glass or sharp metal from a crash can cause cuts or scrapes. Even if these injuries seem minor, they can lead to infection or other complications if not properly treated.
Back injuries
The impact of a collision can cause or exacerbate back injuries. This includes herniated discs, spinal cord injuries, or lower back muscle strains. These injuries can result in chronic pain and mobility issues.
When should I get medical attention after a low-speed collision?
No matter how minor your car accident may seem, it’s best to see a doctor as soon as possible. You might not feel any immediate pain, but days later, you could experience headaches, neck pain, back pain, or other aches throughout the body.
Without prompt and appropriate medical treatment, injuries sustained in low-speed accidents can lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility, and long-term disability. For example, a simple back or neck strain can result in persistent discomfort or even lead to more severe musculoskeletal issues.
A doctor can help identify a hidden injury and begin treatment before it worsens. In addition, a medical diagnosis helps create a clear link between your injury and the collision you were involved in, which is critical when pursuing a claim or lawsuit for your damages.
Can I get compensated for an injury from a “minor” car accident?
If you sustain damages in a car accident in Florida, you can seek compensation for your losses. Florida is a “no-fault” insurance state, which means you can seek compensation for your injuries regardless of who was at fault.
All Florida drivers are required to carry personal injury protection (PIP), which covers up to $10,000 in medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. To get compensated, you would have to file a claim with your own insurance company. This system bypasses the need for litigation, which can tie up the courts, especially with minor car accidents.
What if my damages exceed the PIP limit?
If your damages exceed the $10,000 limit, you may have the opportunity to step outside Florida’s no-fault system and seek compensation from the other driver’s insurance company. In this case, you would need to establish that:
- The other driver had a duty of care to drive safely and obey traffic laws.
- The other driver failed to uphold their duty of care.
- Your car accident and injuries were the result of the other driver’s negligence.
- You accrued damages such as medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering as a result.
You would need to file a car accident claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company to receive a settlement offer. This isn’t an easy process, as many insurance companies use tactics to keep their costs down. They may dispute your injuries or shift the blame onto you. They may also offer you a lowball settlement that doesn’t cover all of your damages.
Once you accept a settlement offer, you can’t seek additional compensation. So, ensure that the settlement you receive covers the full extent of your damages. An experienced car accident lawyer can negotiate for a maximum settlement on your behalf.
How can I strengthen my car accident claim?
If you’re involved in a low-speed collision, the first thing you should do is remain calm and pull over somewhere out of the line of traffic. Check for any noticeable injuries, call the police, and wait for an officer to arrive.
While waiting for law enforcement, exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved. Then, take pictures of the crash scene and get contact information for any witnesses nearby.
When the officer arrives, they’ll assess the crash scene and document the details in a police accident report. You can later obtain a copy of this report and use it to support your claim.
Afterward, get medical attention and report your car accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. When reporting your accident, only provide the basic details, such as the date, time, location, and any injuries sustained. Don’t go into fault or blame, as this can potentially jeopardize your chances of obtaining fair and full compensation for your losses.
If the other driver’s insurance company contacts you, tell them you have hired a lawyer. Your attorney can handle all communications and negotiations with the other driver’s insurance company from then on so you can focus on healing.
It’s important to follow your attorney’s advice and any recommendations from your doctor.
You can also help your claim by saving:
- Medical documents, receipts, bills, and appointment logs.
- Pay stubs and tax documents that prove your earnings.
- Vehicle repair bills or estimates.
- A journal of pain and suffering linked to your injury.
Let our Tampa car accident lawyers handle your case from start to finish
If you were injured in a low-speed collision, get legal help from the attorneys at Armando Personal Injury Law in Tampa, FL. We handle a wide range of auto accident claims, including those that involve injuries sustained in low-speed car accidents.
In addition, our services won’t cost you anything upfront. That’s because we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. To learn more, contact us online or call our office in Tampa to set up your free consultation. We’ll walk you through your options and answer any questions you have.
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