Just because a car accident was minor, does not mean that the occupants of the vehicle were unhurt. Low-impact accidents can result in serious injuries, so it is crucial to take these accidents seriously and follow all the necessary procedures.
Low-Impact Car Accidents
Low-impact car accidents may not be as extreme as other accidents, but they often result in injuries. Examples of low impact car accidents include rear-end collisions in parking lots and in slow traffic, four-way stop collisions, and accidents that occur while merging.
Whiplash
Whiplash is the most common injury in a low-impact collision. Front-seat occupants in a car crash develop whiplash due to their heads being forcefully jerked back and forth. Most people will heal from their whiplash injuries within a few weeks, but for some, the condition is long-term or chronic. Whiplash symptoms include:
- Pain and stiffness
- Limited neck mobility and range of motion
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Blurred vision
Other Low-Impact Accident Injuries
Whiplash is the most common injury, but it is not the only injury. Other injuries from low-impact crashes include:
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Soft tissue injuries
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injuries
Traumatic brain injuries include concussions, which may not appear right away. Suspect a concussion if experiencing any of the following:
- Headaches
- Concentration difficulties
- Coordination problems
- Memory issues
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Mood swings
Any injuries after a low-impact car accident may result in costly medical bills or even the inability to work for a significant period of time.
What to Do After a Low-Impact Car Accident
When an accident seems minor, some people make the mistake of not reporting it to the police, and do not obtain the insurance and contact information from the other driver. Even if the vehicle does not appear damaged and you do not think you were hurt, report the collision to the police, get the necessary information from the other driver, and seek prompt medical attention. Many injuries are not immediately apparent, and whiplash symptoms may not appear for up to 48 hours.
If you do not go to the doctor or emergency room right away, the insurance company may claim you did not suffer the injury in the car accident. Of course, if no accident is reported, you cannot file a claim with the insurer.
Collecting evidence at the scene will help you when you are trying to prove that your injuries were caused by the accident. Use your cellphone to take photos and videos of the accident scene. It is also important to photograph all injuries. Also, do not accept any settlement with the insurance company before obtaining legal counsel. Insurance companies will try to settle for as little as possible and may even deny that minor accidents cause injuries.
Brooklyn Car Accident Lawyers at Eaton & Torrenzano Help Passengers Injured in Low-Impact Car Accidents
If you were injured in a low-impact car accident, you need the services of an experienced lawyer. Our dedicated Brooklyn car accident lawyers at Eaton & Torrenzano will protect your rights and help you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us online or call us at 718-332-7766 today to schedule a free consultation regarding your case. With offices located in Brooklyn, Staten Island, and Hillsborough, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients in Kings and Richmond County, including Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, the Bronx, and Manhattan.