High-speed car accidents like head-on collisions and rollover crashes often result in extensive property damage, catastrophic injuries, and tragic fatalities due to the extreme force of impact. However, the impact force does not always determine the severity of the injury. While low-speed accidents are less likely to cause devastating injuries and fatalities, these “minor” collisions can be surprisingly serious. In fact, they carry several hidden risks that often do not appear immediately following the accident, from physical injuries to financial losses and psychological issues.
If you were involved in a low-speed car accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation by filing a personal injury claim. A highly skilled car accident lawyer will discuss the details of your case, determine who is responsible for causing the accident, and ensure that you recover the maximum damages to which you are entitled.
What Is Considered a Low-Speed Car Accident?
According to Virginia law, a “low-speed car accident” occurs when the vehicles involved are traveling at 10 mph or less. In most cases, they occur at intersections, in parking lots, or when one motorist rear-ends a vehicle that is stopped at a red light, a stop sign, or in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Oftentimes, low-speed car accidents are dismissed as minor inconveniences, particularly if the motorists involved do not appear to be visibly or seriously injured. However, even if the damage to the vehicle is minor, the body can sustain a range of injuries. In fact, a recent study of low-speed crashes found the following results:
- Close to 30% of participants developed whiplash while traveling at a speed of 2.5 mph
- When traveling at 5 mph, 38% of motorists developed whiplash
- “Whiplash” symptoms included neck pain, headaches, and reduced range of motion
- Women are more likely to develop whiplash due to their head-to-neck proportions, which makes their cervical spine more vulnerable to injury
- If the vehicle’s headrest is positioned too far back, there is a significant increase in the risk of long-term neck pain
What Injuries Can Low-Speed Car Accidents Cause?
There is no question that high-speed accidents are more likely to cause severe injuries and fatalities. However, there are a number of hidden dangers associated with low-speed accidents. The following are examples of common injuries that can occur at speeds of less than 10 mph:
Whiplash
This occurs when the sudden and abrupt motion of a rear-end collision causes the head and neck to snap back and forth quickly, straining the muscles and ligaments in the neck. This can cause pain and discomfort, headaches, reduced mobility, dizziness, and blurred vision. While symptoms may not appear right away, ignoring the symptoms or failing to seek medical attention can prolong the recovery process and increase the risk of chronic pain. You must seek immediate medical attention after a low-speed car accident to ensure that a whiplash injury is properly diagnosed and treated, and that you recover the maximum financial compensation you deserve.
Soft-Tissue Injuries
Low-speed car accidents can also cause sprains and strains to muscles, tendons, and ligaments, which can result in pain, swelling, and reduced mobility.
Concussions
If the sudden jolt of a low-speed collision causes the head to strike the inside of the vehicle, this can increase the risk of a concussion. Common symptoms of concussions include headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea, drowsiness, vision changes, and trouble sleeping.
Hidden Spinal Injuries
Even low-speed collisions can affect the spinal column, resulting in muscle strains, spinal misalignment, or herniated discs. The pain and discomfort associated with a back injury can interfere with daily activities and harm your quality of life.
Nerve Damage
If the impact of a low-speed collision compresses or stretches the nerves in the neck or back, this can cause tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness. These symptoms can develop gradually over time, so it is important that you closely monitor the changes in sensation and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
How Long Does It Take for Symptoms to Appear After a Low-Speed Collision?
The moments immediately following a car accident can be extremely stressful and overwhelming. This can cause adrenaline to course through the body, masking pain and other symptoms associated with an injury. Depending on the nature and severity of the injury, it can take minutes, hours, or even days for symptoms to appear. It is crucial that you seek immediate medical attention as soon as possible, and closely monitor any pain, discomfort, or other symptoms in the days following the collision. If symptoms become more severe or you experience other issues, follow up with your doctor to prevent the injury from becoming more serious and leading to long-term complications.
What Hidden Vehicle Damage Do Low-Speed Collisions Cause?
Oftentimes, there is little to no visible damage to the vehicles involved in a low-speed collision. However, even a minor fender-bender can cause structural damage, including the following:
- Frame and Alignment Issues: Any type of collision can compromise a vehicle’s frame and cause a shift in alignment. This can affect the vehicle’s stability, steering, tire wear, and other areas of performance.
- Suspension Damage: The sudden impact of a rear-end accident, or any other low-speed collision, can affect how the vehicle rides or handles. For example, you may notice increased bouncing, dipping, or reduced vehicle control when applying the brakes. If these issues are not checked or repaired, they can lead to tire misalignment, steering imprecision, and other types of damage.
- Bumper and Rear Panel Damage: Even low-speed collisions can weaken the structural integrity of the vehicle’s bumper and rear panel. While modern bumpers are equipped with energy-absorbing materials, they can become compromised after a collision. Rear panel damage can cause rust and corrosion if it is not repaired quickly.
- Trunk Damage: Low-speed collisions can cause the trunk compartments to shift out of place, making it difficult to close the trunk. If the trunk does not close properly, this can make the contents vulnerable to theft or water damage from inclement weather.
- Advanced Safety Systems: Low-speed rear-end accidents can cause damage to the backup cameras, radar sensors, and collision detection systems, which are often sensitive and expensive to repair.
What Steps Do I Take After a Low-Speed Car Accident?
Whether you are involved in a high-speed collision or a low-speed fender bender, you must take the following steps to ensure that your legal rights are protected and that you recover the damages you are entitled to:
Step One
Call 911 to report the accident. Notify dispatch if there are injuries so they can send an ambulance to the scene. The responding officer will fill out a police report, which you may obtain a copy of and use as evidence in a personal injury claim.
Step Two
Take pictures of the accident scene, including the damage to your vehicle, your injuries, skid marks or debris on the road, traffic conditions, and other evidence that can help prove fault.
Step Three
Ask any witnesses who saw the accident happen if they would be willing to provide a statement and their contact information.
Step Four
Keep copies of all medical bills, treatment plans, prescription medications, repair estimates, and towing receipts.
Step Five
Notify your insurance company that you were involved in an accident. However, do not say anything that could be interpreted as admitting fault, as the insurance company will use this against you to avoid paying a large settlement. Keep in mind that Virginia is a “contributory negligence” state, which means you are prohibited from recovering any damages if you are found to be even 1% at fault.
Step Six
Contact an experienced car accident lawyer. If you are involved in a low-speed car accident, a dedicated car accident lawyer will assist you with the following:
- Collect copies of police reports, photos from the accident scene, witness statements, and other relevant documentation.
- Consult with medical professionals to determine the severity of your injuries and track ongoing symptoms.
- Negotiate with insurance companies to ensure that your legal rights are protected and that you recover the maximum damages you are entitled to, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering associated with the accident.
- Represent you in court if liability arises if the insurance company does not offer you a fair settlement, or the other driver claims that you were partly at fault for causing the accident.
A Virginia Beach Car Accident Lawyer at Anchor Legal ® Represents Victims of Low-Speed Car Accidents
If you or someone you know was injured in a low-speed car accident, do not hesitate to contact a Virginia Beach car accident lawyer at Anchor Legal. We will determine who is responsible for causing the accident, ensure that your legal rights are protected, and pursue the maximum financial compensation you deserve. Our dedicated legal team will continue to fight for you until you are completely satisfied. For a free consultation, call today at 757-LAW-0000 or contact us online. Located in Virginia Beach, we proudly serve clients in the surrounding areas.