Can a Minor Car Accident Cause Injuries?
According to driving-tests.org, in 2019 there were 6,756,000 police-reported motor vehicle crashes. Almost two million of those involved serious injury that resulted in some level of permanent injury, while 33,244 crashes caused a death. There are few statistics regarding more minor car accidents—the fender-benders in the parking lot or intersection crashes at low speeds. While you might think that a minor car accident couldn’t possibly cause injury, that is not always the case. In fact, minor car accident injuries can be quite serious, causing long-term issues and requiring medical care for a significant length of time.
Despite this, when it comes to low-speed, minor car accidents, insurance companies often attempt to correlate the miles per hour, the visible damage to your vehicle, and the severity of your injuries. In short, if your car is not that badly damaged, then you must be fine as well. Nothing could be further from the truth in many cases. If you have been injured from a “minor” car accident, it is imperative that you contact a highly experienced car accident attorney from New Orleans Legal, LLC.
Our goal at New Orleans Legal is to solve problems and make things right for our clients. We strive to provide each and every client with highly individualized attention, prompt communication, and knowledgeable legal representation. Attorney Peter J. Diiorio understands the toll—physical, emotional, and financial—a car accident can have on those involved. Because of this, our firm will get you through the litigation process as quickly and efficiently as possible, making your medical care our number one priority.
What are Minor Injuries Following a Car Accident?
Even a minor car accident can result in injuries to those involved. In truth, any car accident can feel like a major accident even if your injuries are not severe or life-threatening. Generally, the damage to your vehicle following a minor car accident is much less severe but can still result in significant costs to repair. Further, your injuries, while not life-threatening, can still cause problems for you in your life. Depending on your level of injury and your other damages, you might be better off accepting a decent settlement rather than engaging in a lengthy and potentially expensive trial.
Major or catastrophic injuries are those that threaten your life or cause a disability, like a paralysis or a traumatic brain injury. A minor injury—like a soft-tissue whiplash injury—is unlikely to kill you, although it can still cause you some serious issues in the future. Because of this, it is important to get checked out by a doctor who can find any hidden or progressive injuries, treating those injuries before they can have a major impact on your health. This is why you should never accept an early settlement, even if you think you are “fine” following a minor car accident. If your injuries manifest later, you could be unable to collect the full amount you paid out for your injuries.
Some of the most common injuries resulting from a minor car accident include:
- Whiplash
- Concussion
- Cuts and bruises
- Fractures
- Pulled or strained muscles and ligaments
- Other neck and back injuries
In some cases, head injuries like concussions or traumatic brain injuries can result in a delayed reaction following the accident and it can take weeks or months to realize you have a more serious head injury. Whiplash, in particular, occurs when the force of the impact causes the head and neck to whip back and forth forcefully. In fact, it is generally accepted by the medical community that whiplash can occur at speeds as low as five miles per hour. Even at low speeds, whiplash can result in:
- Pain and stiffness
- Reduced range of motion
- Headaches
- Back pain
- Confusion
- Memory loss
- Other cognitive issues.
How Long After A Car Accident Can You File A Claim?
Can I Sue for Injuries Following a Minor Car Accident?
You can sue for minor injuries in the same way you can sue for more serious injuries if those injuries have cost you money for medical treatments and/or caused you to take time off from work. Just as with any type of car accident, you should speak to an experienced car accident attorney from New Orleans Legal to determine what level of damages you are entitled to receive, then fight for those damages on your behalf.
What if I Have No Injuries Following My Car Accident, Can I Still Sue?
Even if you believe your injuries do not merit filing a claim for damages, you should see a doctor to ensure your injuries really are as minor as you believe they are. Injuries can be masked by the rush of adrenaline you receive during the accident, then manifest later. For this reason, it is extremely important that you see a doctor and have him or her check you out thoroughly. Further, even if you do not have any injuries following your car accident, your car may have damages that could benefit from a car accident claim. In the end, let your doctor and your attorney guide you on the decision of whether you should file a claim following a minor car accident.
Do I Need an Attorney Following a Minor Car Accident?
Contacting an attorney following a car accident is important, regardless of whether your accident is minor or more serious. As noted, there are many considerations that the average person simply will not think of, while an attorney will. Your attorney can look at the circumstances surrounding your accident, your injuries, and any other damages you may have, then accurately calculate the amount of money you are entitled to receive for those damages.
How Your Car Accident Attorney from New Orleans Legal Will Help
A car accident attorney from New Orleans legal can help you following your minor car accident. We will ensure you get the medical treatments you need, that the damages to your car are fully repaired, and that any other damages you have suffered due to an accident that was not your fault are properly compensated. At New Orleans Legal we help people. We help those who are in need, at times of despair, or when they are feeling hopeless or helpless due to a car accident. We do not require our clients to come to us with money, just to bring their problems to us. We will finance your claim, doing everything in our power to recover damages on your behalf and solve your problems related to your car accident. Contact New Orleans Legal today.
