There is a pervasive misconception that low-speed collisions can’t cause significant damage. However, accidents that appear minor can have serious repercussions. Collisions that look like nothing more than insignificant rush-hour bumps can lead to considerable pain, long-term medical needs, and distressing pain and suffering. Our San Diego car accident lawyers will help you to develop a better understanding of this type of car accident.
Momentum and Low-Speed Collision Injuries
A low-speed collision may not destroy your car, but it can still cause considerable harm. Even at low speeds, sudden forces and momentum combine to create the ideal circumstances for serious injuries. Momentum is the amount of force an object exerts when colliding with another object. High-speed accidents obviously have more momentum, but we should not underestimate low-speed collisions.
The size of a vehicle plays a critical role in its momentum because the greater the mass of an object, the more substantial its momentum will be. To put it into perspective, consider how long it takes a bus to come to a complete stop versus a standard car. A school bus driving slowly through a neighborhood could still cause significant damage to a cyclist or pedestrian due to its momentum.
Low-speed collisions may appear less dramatic than high-speed accidents. However, they can still lead to severe injuries with long-term consequences. The most common injuries caused by low-speed collisions are those involving muscles and soft tissue. It’s also common for low-speed accidents to exacerbate existing injuries. Injuries that often result from accidents that occur under 20mph can include:
- Whiplash
- Concussions
- Bone fractures
- Lacerations
- Back injuries
Preparing for Legal Action
If you suffer any damages in a vehicle collision, you are entitled to seek compensation. Whether you experience physical injuries or property damage, you can legally file a claim against any other parties involved in California. Even in situations where two or more parties share fault for the accident, you may still receive compensation.
Don’t Underestimate Minor Injuries
It’s common for low-speed collision injuries to only become apparent days later, so it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. No matter how minor an injury seems, you may have a serious underlying issue. If you don’t require a visit to the emergency room, it is still vital to consult a medical professional for a thorough examination. Tell your doctor that you were in an accident and request a full report.
Your doctor may discover an injury that you are not yet aware of, so you can start treatment before it leads to chronic pain or long-term disability. Seeing a professional is also key to gathering the documentation you need to support any potential legal proceedings. Without a doctor’s report, insurers can claim that nothing links your injuries to the accident.
Embrace Professional Support
Filing a claim and going through the legal process can be complex and is often challenging to manage without expertise. Working with an experienced legal professional can make the process easier and protect you from common pitfalls. Insurers and opposing legal counsel may also try to use your inexperience against you if you try to pursue compensation without an attorney.
Gather Evidence
To successfully seek compensation for damages resulting from a low-speed collision, you must have a strong case. Without sufficient, irrefutable evidence, you may be unable to prove the connection between the accident and your injuries. It is vital to preserve all relevant documentation, including medical bills, diagnostic imaging, prescriptions, and repair quotes.
In addition to key documents, it’s imperative to keep all photos and videos from the accident scene, including any that you captured yourself, CCTV footage, and dashcam video. The more evidence you have to support your claim, the more likely you are to receive the compensation you need.
Insurance Challenges
Having insurance is crucial to keep yourself and others protected in a country where medical care is notoriously expensive. Unfortunately, receiving the money you deserve after an accident is not always as easy as it should be. Insurance companies often go out of their way to avoid paying you, sometimes relying on underhanded tactics to save money.
Undermining the severity of your damages is usually the first way that an insurer will try to minimize their payout. Typically, insurers will argue that a minor collision can’t have caused your injuries as a reason for an unreasonably low settlement offer. If your symptoms only become apparent later, the insurer may also claim that your injuries were not caused by the accident and are entirely unrelated.
Liability disputes are another common tactic used by insurers to avoid compensating those injured by their policyholders. In comparative fault states, shifting the blame to you can significantly reduce an insurer’s financial responsibility.
From Minor Collision to Major Compensation
If you’ve been involved in a low-speed collision, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. For the best chance of a favorable outcome, contact HHJ Trial Attorneys for expert legal guidance and support. We will gather evidence, negotiate, and fight for you to protect your future and ensure your financial security.
