Many people believe that minor car accidents only cause minor problems, but that’s not always true. Even a small crash can lead to injuries that cause big issues.
Low-speed collisions might not leave your car totaled, but they can leave your body hurting in ways you may not notice immediately. That’s why taking even minor accidents seriously is so important.
Our Seattle car accident lawyer at Bernard Law Group can help if you’ve been in an accident. We understand how even minor collisions can affect your life and are here to protect your rights.
The Nature of Minor Impact Collisions
Minor impact collisions are more common than you think. They happen in rear-end accidents, fender benders in parking lots, or low-speed crashes at stoplights. These accidents might seem harmless, but their effects can still be significant.
Why Injuries Still Happen
Even at low speeds, your body absorbs sudden forces that can strain muscles, ligaments, and joints. These forces can cause pain and discomfort that may not appear until days later.
Examples of Hidden Damage
Just like a car might have hidden frame damage after a crash, your body can experience injuries that aren’t immediately visible. What looks like a simple dent in a bumper might hide damage to the vehicle’s structure, and the same can happen to your health.
Common Minor Impact Injuries
Despite the nature of these accidents, victims often sustain injuries from them. Some of the most common include:
- Whiplash Whiplash is an injury caused by the head being pulled back and forth. With this injury, you might not notice any problems immediately, but hours or even days later, you could start feeling stiff, have headaches, or notice pain in your neck and shoulders.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Strains and sprains to muscles and ligaments are common in low-speed crashes. These injuries might seem minor initially but can lead to lingering discomfort if left untreated.
- Concussions and Head Injuries: Even a small bump to the head can cause a concussion, leading to symptoms like dizziness, nausea, or trouble concentrating. Ignoring these signs can make things worse.
- Back and Spine Issues: Low-speed accidents can strain your back, causing pain or even damage to the spine. Without proper care, these injuries can become chronic problems.
The Long-Term Effects of Ignoring Minor Injuries
Ignoring a minor injury might not seem like a big deal initially, but it can lead to serious problems later. Small injuries can worsen over time, requiring more expensive and extensive medical treatments that could have been avoided with early care. Beyond medical costs, untreated injuries might also impact your career and daily life.
Chronic pain or limited mobility could make working harder, enjoying your favorite hobbies, or even caring for your family. On top of that, the stress of living with pain and overcoming legal challenges can take a toll on your mental health.
By addressing injuries early and working with a skilled auto accident lawyer in Washington, you can focus on healing while they handle the legal details.
How Insurance Companies Handle Minor Impact Claims
Insurance companies often do everything they can to avoid paying you compensation following an accident. Some of the tactics they may use include:
Downplaying Injuries
Insurance companies often argue that minor accidents couldn’t possibly cause significant injuries. This tactic can lead to unfairly low settlement offers.
Delayed Symptoms Complications
Since some injuries take time to appear, insurers might claim you weren’t hurt at all. A Washington car accident lawyer can help counter these arguments by using medical records and expert opinions to support your case.
Denial of Liability
In minor accidents, insurers might try to shift blame to avoid paying compensation. Having a car accident attorney in Washington ensures your rights are protected, and the evidence is presented effectively.
The Role of Technology in Building Your Case
Having strong evidence is important when proving injuries after a minor impact collision. Some of the best evidence that you can use for your case includes:
- Dashcams: Dashcam footage can show exactly what happened during the crash, providing valuable evidence for your claim.
- Medical Records: Detailed records from doctors and physical therapists can help prove the severity of your injuries, even if they’re not visible to the naked eye.
- Accident Scene Evidence: Photos, videos, and even apps that track vehicle speed or driving patterns can be used to strengthen your case.
A Washington auto accident lawyer can help gather and use these tools effectively.
Contact Our Washington Car Accident Lawyer
Even minor accidents can lead to big problems, but you don’t have to face them alone. If you’ve been in a low-speed collision, the Bernard Law Group is here to help. Contact us for a free consultation with the best car accident lawyer in Washington to protect your rights and get the support you need.
Let our no-win, no-fee car accident lawyer in Washington guide you through the process so you can focus on recovery. Call us today to discuss your case.
