Suing After a Minor Car Accident
When we think of car accidents and auto collisions that cause injuries, our mind tends to think of multi-vehicle pile-ups. Yet even a minor fender bender could be more serious than you realize.
The lawyers at our offices in Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Tampa, FL, would like to consider the hazards of low-speed crashes and why you should take these kinds of accidents seriously.
What Is Considered a Low-Speed Collision?
In a broad sense, a low-speed collision is a crash that occurs at 10 miles per hour or less. These are speeds you’d expect while in a parking lot, parking garage, school zone, or in the suburbs.
Such low speeds might seem harmless, but even a minor crash in a driveway could cause an injury or aggravate an existing injury.
Potential Injuries After a Low-Speed Accident
Some common injuries people experience in low-speed collisions include:
- Whiplash and Other Neck Injuries - A collision can cause your head to whip back and forth, causing injuries to the cervical spine as well as the muscles, tendons, and nerves of the neck.
- Herniated Discs and Other Back Injuries - A crash at a low speed could cause a spinal disc to rupture, or strain muscles and soft tissues in the lower and thoracic spine.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) - If you’re caught off guard, a low-speed crash could cause you to bang your head against the seat, dashboard, or side window, which may cause a concussion or skull fracture.
- Other Bodily Injuries - Depending on the position of your body at the time of the crash, the impact could lead to sprains, hyperextension, cuts, or even bone fractures.
- Aggravation of an Existing Condition - If you’re recovering from a previous injury or a recent surgery, a low-speed crash could aggravate your condition.
In all of the above cases, it’s important to discuss possible legal action with a personal injury lawyer.
Visit a Doctor After You’ve Been in a Collision
After a collision, it’s crucial that you visit a doctor. During an exam, they can identify injuries sustained during the crash.
Be mindful of any pain, discomfort, dizziness, stiffness, sleep disturbances, or memory problems as these may all be signs of an injury.
Property Damage from a Fender Bender Could Be Worse Than it Appears
In addition to bodily injury, a low-speed crash could cause more serious issues than a scratch or dent. If your car was hit in a certain way, it could cause issues with your vehicle that affect stability and safety.
This is worth having checked out as well if you notice any problems with your vehicle in the aftermath of the crash.
Legal Options After a Low-Speed Car Accident
If you’ve been in a low-speed crash that’s caused injuries or substantial vehicle damage, it’s worth consulting with an attorney. They can let you know what steps to take next to cover medical expenses as well as any repair bills for your vehicle.
Set Up a Legal Consultation Today
To discuss your collision with skilled attorneys, contact our law offices in Lakeland, Winter Haven, Tampa, FL. We look forward to discussing your case with you in more detail.