You might assume that low-speed collisions cause minimal damage and don’t lead to many devastating injuries, but it can be a mistake to overlook the potential impact of a low-speed collision, especially if it is a rear-end accident. These accidents, often referred to as fender benders, are among the most common types of collisions not just in California, but across the country.
Typically, these low-speed accidents may occur at below 10 miles per hour and may be dismissed by insurance companies or other drivers as inconsequential or minor. The vehicles might only sustain minimal visible damage, but the occupants may suffer long-term consequences.
If you believe you have been seriously injured in a low-speed accident and need the support of a personal injury attorney, it is in your best interest to reach out for help sooner rather than later. The right lawyer can have a big impact on the outcome of your case and can also help you understand the full scope of the injuries you sustained in the accident.
It is common for injured victims in low-speed accidents to not realize the full potential of their injuries until hours or days later. The shock of the accident may shield you from some of the worst of the pain, and you may later begin to experience symptoms that lead you to go to your doctor.
For example, whiplash is one of the most common injuries associated with an accident. Even if you were moving at a low speed, if someone else hits you at a faster speed or suddenly impacts the back or side of your car, you could be thrown into motion that causes critical injuries.
It is well worth getting checked out by a doctor to rule out more substantial injuries and continue to report any changes in symptoms to your physician.
Where Do Most Low Speed Collisions Happen?
The majority of rear-end low-speed collisions in California happen in stoplights, parking lots, or in congested traffic areas. In most cases, these accidents are caused by someone following too closely, suddenly braking, or being distracted behind the wheel. A rear-end crash can still result in severe injuries, even if the impact velocity is low.
The reason that many low-speed accidents are written off as not serious is because many people don’t understand the design of modern vehicles. Today’s vehicles are designed to absorb energy from an impact. This means that the exterior of the car may not look critically damaged, but occupants inside may still experience sudden and strong forces throughout their bodies. Even low-speed injuries can cause long-term problems, especially if they affect the neck or the spine.
What Are Some of the Most Common Injuries in Low-Speed Collisions?
Low-speed collisions, especially rear-end accidents, can lead to several different types of injuries. These can include whiplash, back injuries, traumatic brain injuries and concussions, soft tissue injuries, or even psychological injuries.
If you’re not yet sure about the severity of the injuries you have sustained, it is best to consult with a qualified personal injury attorney as soon as possible after you’ve received a diagnosis from your doctor. For many victims with soft tissue injuries, the pain can be consistent and can impact your daily life or make it difficult to get through work. Keep a note of all of the symptoms and how they have impacted your life, especially any communication you have with your medical professionals about your treatment plan. This may help you in the future with your California personal injury attorney to assist you with your next steps.
What Are the Real Risks with a Low-Speed Car Accident?
The initial physical injuries definitely present challenges for victims attempting to recover from a low-speed collision, but you might also experience work, financial, emotional, or physical challenges because of this accident.
One of the most common aspects of low-speed crash injuries has to do with the appearance of the symptoms. Victims may seem to feel fine immediately after the crash and decline medical attention at that point. You may develop discomfort or pain days later, making it more challenging to connect your injuries directly to the accident. In some of these cases, insurance companies may argue about the legitimacy of your claim.
Delayed symptoms are very common with injuries such as concussion or whiplash. These injuries do not always show up on a diagnostic test or present strong enough or consistent enough symptoms early on for you to report them to your doctor.
Be sure to document any injuries that you sustain after a crash, as this could make it easier to fight for fair compensation from the insurance company. Do not underestimate how long these injuries may occur. Chronic pain conditions, such as those linked to whiplash-associated disorders, can persist for months or even years following the accident.
Victims may require physical therapy, ongoing medical treatment, or pain management, all of which can be costly and can seriously impede your regular life. The psychological and emotional impact from a low-speed collision can be underestimated as well.
You might experience depression, anxiety, or even PTSD. This is more common in those injuries in which a pedestrian was struck by someone backing up in a parking lot or similar situation, as you would be more likely to sustain critical injuries in these accidents and may have been totally unprepared to brace for an impact.
What Kinds of Compensati0n Can I Recover After a Low Speed Car Crash in California?
The severity of your injuries, your medical bills, and other factors may all influence what you can recover following a low speed collision. The sooner you understand your conditions and the sooner you contact an attorney, the better your chances of recovering maximum compensation for your injuries.
You may be entitled to get compensation for:
- Past and future medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
What Should I Do if the Insurance Company Ignores or Downplays My Claim?
You have rights during a personal injury claim, but it can be hard to know when the insurance company has gone too far. Sometimes, bringing in an outside party is the best way to reduce your stress and ensure you’ve got an advocate pushing for maximum compensation for you.
If the insurance company is downplaying your claims in a soft tissue injury case or following a low-speed collision, you need to take your case seriously and continue to document your medical conditions and its impact on your regular daily life. In addition, you may also need to hire a California personal injury attorney who is familiar with navigating this process and pushing back when insurance companies attempt to minimize the severity of your injuries. Your lawyer can tell you more about how to gather this evidence and present it in a compelling manner.
If an attorney steps in to handle the personal injury component of your case, this relieves you from communicating with the insurance company and can show the insurance carrier that you’re serious about getting maximum compensation. Attorneys who work in this area every single day have a lot of experience and familiarity with how to avoid many of the most common pitfalls associated with insurance carriers.
Do I Have to File an Injury Lawsuit?
Immediately after an accident, you do need to report the crash to your insurance company. It’s best to do this even if you’re not yet sure of your injuries. Letting them know an accident happened gives you the best chance to get compensation if and when you begin to experience symptoms. Once you know how your soft tissue or other injuries are affecting you, you may be in a better position to negotiate with the insurance company. However, while you don’t have to file an injury suit, you may need to do so if you’re unable to reach a fair settlement with the insurance carrier.
Filing a lawsuit is recommended if you have multiple injuries, if your insurance company or the other party’s insurance company have been difficult to deal with, or if you’re very busy attending doctor’s appointments and dealing with the crash impacts. Involving a California personal injury lawyer can position you to get the help you need during this challenging time.
Our lawyers know all too well that low speed collisions can lead to both short term pain and long-term problems for accident victims. If you want more insight on your own case, set up a time to meet with us to discuss the specifics of your claim.
