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 picture high-speed collisions and dramatic crashes. But a significant share of real-world injuries happens in fender benders and low-speed car accidents, the kind that may leave only a small dent in the bumper.

Insurance companies and adjusters often treat these crashes as “minor.” In reality, low-speed impacts can still injure the neck, back, and brain, and symptoms may show up hours or even days later.

If you are feeling pain after a car accident, even in a low-impact collision in the Tampa Bay area, it’s important to understand your medical and legal options and what Florida’s insurance rules require.

Free consultation: Call (813) 482-0355 or visit armandoinjurylaw.com.

Key Takeaways

Low-speed crashes can still cause whiplash, soft-tissue injuries, concussions/mild TBI, fractures, and back injuries.
Symptoms are often delayed 24–72 hours.
In Florida, PIP medical benefits generally require initial services and care within 14 days of the crash.
PIP reimbursement is limited to $2,500 if a provider determines you did not have an Emergency Medical Condition (EMC).
In many Florida auto cases, claims for pain and suffering depend on meeting Florida’s serious injury threshold.

What Is a Fender Bender or Low-Speed Car Accident?

Fender benders and low-speed crashes typically occur at under 20 mph. Vehicle damage may look minimal, but people in the car still experience sudden force, which can strain the neck, back, and soft tissues.

Low-speed collisions often occur in:

Parking lots
Residential streets
Regulated intersections
Congested Tampa-area roads during stop-and-go traffic

Common causes include distracted driving, following too closely, and reduced visibility or slick roads.

Why Minor Damage Can Still Cause Real Injuries

Modern vehicles are designed to absorb impact. That can reduce visible damage in some low-speed crashes, while the occupants’ bodies still absorb force. The head and torso can move suddenly, and tissues can stretch beyond normal limits.

Common Injuries From Low-Speed Collisions

Whiplash

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries in rear-end crashes. It happens when the head snaps forward and back, straining neck muscles and ligaments.

Common symptoms:

Neck pain and stiffness
Headaches
Dizziness
Blurred vision
Trouble concentrating

When to get checked: if symptoms worsen over 24–72 hours, you develop numbness/tingling, or headaches persist.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft-tissue injuries affect muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They can be painful and limiting—yet hard to confirm on standard imaging.

Common symptoms:

Pain and swelling
Reduced range of motion
Spasms or weakness

Why they’re missed: symptoms may take days to peak.

Concussion and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

A concussion can occur even without hitting your head. The crash force can cause the brain to move within the skull.

Common symptoms:

Headaches
Confusion or “brain fog”
Sensitivity to light/noise
Mood changes
Sleep disruption

Get evaluated promptly: even “mild” TBIs can affect work, driving, and daily function.

Back Injuries

Low-speed crashes can cause or worsen back injuries.

Examples include:

Herniated or bulging discs
Lumbar strains and sprains
Sciatica-like symptoms

Back injuries can lead to chronic pain and activity limitations—especially without early diagnosis and treatment.

Shoulder and Knee Injuries

Shoulder and knee injuries are common in low-speed crashes when you brace for impact, your body twists, or your joints absorb force from a sudden stop. Seatbelts, airbags, and dashboard/console contact can also strain soft tissue or aggravate pre-existing joint problems.

Common symptoms:

Shoulder pain or weakness (especially when lifting your arm)
Reduced range of motion or “catching” in the shoulder
Knee pain, swelling, or tenderness (especially when walking or climbing stairs)
Instability or a “giving way” feeling in the knee
Bruising or stiffness around the joint

When to get checked: if pain or swelling increases over 24–72 hours, you notice instability, locking/clicking, numbness/tingling, or difficulty bearing weight or using the arm normally.

Bone Fractures

Hands, wrists, feet, ribs, and facial bones can fracture from bracing, airbag impact, or interior contact. Some fractures don’t show up immediately, so follow up if pain persists.

Lacerations and Abrasions

Glass, trim, or sharp surfaces can cause cuts and scrapes. Even “small” wounds can become infected if not cleaned and treated properly.

Delayed Symptoms After a Low-Speed Crash (24–72 Hours)

It’s common to feel “fine” at the scene and develop symptoms later. Watch for:

New headaches or dizziness
Neck stiffness or reduced range of motion
Back pain or radiating pain into arms/legs
Nausea, fatigue, light sensitivity
Numbness/tingling
Trouble sleeping or concentrating

If symptoms appear, get evaluated and document the timeline.

When to Get Medical Attention After a Low-Speed Collision

As soon as possible—even if you feel okay.

Florida PIP rules are time-sensitive: the PIP statute requires initial services and care within 14 days after the accident for medical benefits eligibility.

Also, Florida PIP reimbursement is limited to $2,500 if a provider determines the injured person did not have an Emergency Medical Condition (EMC).

Medical care also:

Identifies hidden injuries early
Prevents complications
Creates documentation linking injury to the crash

Can You Get Compensation After a “Minor” Car Accident in Florida?

Florida is a no-fault state, meaning most people start with their own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage for medical bills and some lost wages.

Florida PIP Rules: 14-Day Treatment Window

In Florida, PIP medical benefits generally require that you receive initial services and care within 14 days of the crash. If you wait too long, your insurer may deny PIP medical coverage, even if you’re genuinely hurt.

Florida PIP Rules: Emergency Medical Condition (EMC) Limits

PIP reimbursement may be limited unless a qualified provider determines you had an Emergency Medical Condition (EMC). This is one reason it’s important to get evaluated promptly and follow up if symptoms worsen.

When You May Pursue More Than PIP

If your medical bills, lost income, or long-term limitations exceed what PIP covers, you may be able to pursue additional compensation through available coverages and the at-fault driver’s insurance (when applicable). Your options often depend on the facts of the crash and what insurance policies are available.

Serious Injury Threshold for Pain and Suffering in Florida

In many Florida auto cases, you generally must meet the state’s serious injury threshold to pursue non-economic damages like pain and suffering. This can include permanent injury, significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function, significant scarring/disfigurement, or death.

What if my damages exceed PIP (or PIP doesn’t fully cover it)?

Depending on the facts, you may be able to pursue additional compensation through:

The at-fault driver’s insurance (if applicable coverage exists)
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage (UM/UIM)
Other available policies or responsible parties

In many cases, pain and suffering claims require meeting Florida’s serious injury threshold.

(This is general information, not legal advice. A lawyer can evaluate your specific situation and coverage.)

How to Strengthen Your Low-Speed Car Accident Claim

Protect Safety and Report the Crash

Move to a safe location and call for help if needed. Florida’s FLHSMV guidance notes that crashes involving injury/death or $500+ estimated damage require contacting law enforcement.

Document the Scene

Photos of vehicles, damage, and location
Road/weather conditions
Contact information for witnesses

Get Medical Care Quickly

This supports your health and helps protect PIP eligibility.

Be Careful With Insurance Statements

Report basic facts (date/time/location) and avoid speculation about fault or injury severity. If the other insurer contacts you, you can refer them to your attorney.

Save Evidence

Medical records, bills, and appointment logs
Wage and time-missed documentation
Repair estimates
A daily journal of pain, limitations, sleep disruption, headaches, etc.

FAQ: Low-Speed Car Accident Injuries in Florida

Can a low-speed crash really cause whiplash or a concussion?

Yes. Low-speed impacts can still produce enough force to injure soft tissue and cause a mild TBI—especially in rear-end crashes.

How long after a fender bender can symptoms appear?

Often 24–72 hours, sometimes longer depending on inflammation and soft-tissue involvement.

Do I need to see a doctor even if I feel fine?

It’s strongly recommended—both medically and because Florida PIP benefits depend on receiving initial services and care within 14 days.

What if the adjuster says I’m not really hurt because the car damage is minor?

Low vehicle damage doesn’t rule out injury. Document symptoms, follow medical advice, and preserve records.

Can I sue for pain and suffering after a low-speed crash in Florida?

In many cases, that requires meeting Florida’s serious injury threshold (including permanent injury or significant permanent scarring/disfigurement).

What should I do if my injuries worsen days later?

Get evaluated immediately and document when symptoms started and how they progressed.

Get Help From a Tampa Car Accident Lawyer

If you were injured in a low-speed collision, the attorneys at Armando Personal Injury Law can help you understand your options and handle insurance communications while you focus on recovery.

Free consultation: Call (813) 482-0355 or visit armandoinjurylaw.com.

Sources and Helpful Resources

For the current text of these laws, see the Florida Legislature’s Online Sunshine site and FLHSMV.

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About the Author

Attorney Armando Edmiston is the founding attorney of Armando Personal Injury Law in Tampa, Florida, a law firm dedicated to helping people harmed in car, truck, motorcycle, nursing home, and other serious injury cases. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and personal injury lawyer, Armando draws on his real-world courtroom experience and years of representing injured Floridians to write and carefully review the legal content on this website. Every guide is written in clear, straightforward language so injured people and their families can better understand their rights, and is reviewed for legal accuracy before publication.

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