The Most Common Injuries in Low-Speed Car Accidents
When people think of car accidents, they often picture high-speed collisions with major damage and serious injuries. However, low-speed car accidents, such as fender-benders in parking lots or rear-end collisions in stop-and-go traffic, can also cause injuries that have lasting effects. While these accidents may not total a car, they can still do significant harm to the people involved.
At Zaber Law, we often help clients who were injured in low-speed accidents and need compensation for their recovery.
Here are some of the most common injuries caused by low-speed car accidents.
1. Whiplash
Whiplash is one of the most frequent injuries from low-speed car accidents. It happens when the impact of the crash causes your head to snap back and forth rapidly, straining the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in your neck. Even in minor collisions, this motion can cause painful whiplash. Symptoms like neck pain, stiffness, and headaches may not appear right away, sometimes showing up days after the accident.
Example: Imagine you’re rear-ended at a stoplight. The other car was only going 10 miles per hour, but the sudden jolt causes your head to snap forward and back. Days later, you start feeling pain in your neck and shoulders, and turning your head becomes difficult. This is a classic case of whiplash.
2. Back Injuries
The force from even a low-speed crash can compress the spine or cause muscles in the back to stretch or tear, leading to back pain. Injuries such as herniated discs or sprains can result from the sudden jolt of a collision, leading to discomfort and sometimes requiring physical therapy or chiropractic care to heal.
Example: You’re involved in a slow-speed accident while pulling out of a parking spot. You feel fine at first, but over the next week, your lower back starts to ache. You may have a sprain or a bulging disc from the impact, even though the crash seemed minor.
3. Shoulder Injuries
During an accident, people often tense up and grip the steering wheel, which can lead to shoulder injuries when the body absorbs the force of the collision. This can result in strained muscles or torn ligaments. Rotator cuff injuries are also common, especially if your arms are extended and take the brunt of the impact.
Example: You’re driving in slow traffic when the car in front of you suddenly stops, and you rear-end them. Your hands were on the steering wheel, and the impact caused your shoulders to strain, leading to soreness and stiffness that persists long after the accident.
4. Knee Injuries
In a low-speed accident, it’s common for a driver or passenger to bump their knees against the dashboard or steering wheel. This can lead to bruising, sprains, or even more serious injuries like torn ligaments in the knee.
Example: In a low-speed collision in a parking lot, your knee hits the dashboard as you slam on the brakes. You might feel some pain at first, but over the next few days, walking becomes uncomfortable, and you may need medical treatment to ensure there isn’t ligament damage.
5. Concussions
Even in low-speed accidents, the sudden movement or impact can cause your brain to hit the inside of your skull, resulting in a concussion. Symptoms of a concussion might include headaches, dizziness, confusion, and sensitivity to light or noise. These symptoms may appear right after the accident or develop hours or days later.
Example: You’re hit from the side while slowly making a turn. The impact causes your head to hit the window, and while you initially feel okay, you later experience dizziness and trouble concentrating, which are signs of a mild concussion.
What to Do After a Low-Speed Accident
If you’ve been in a low-speed accident, it’s important to take the following steps, even if you feel fine at the time:
- Seek medical attention: Some injuries, like whiplash and concussions, may not show symptoms right away. A doctor can help identify hidden injuries.
- Document the accident: Take photos of the scene, the damage to your car, and your injuries. This can be important if you decide to file a personal injury claim.
- Report the accident: Always file a police report, even for minor accidents. This report is important evidence in any potential personal injury case.
- Consult a personal injury lawyer: A lawyer can help you understand your rights and ensure you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries, even if the accident seemed minor.
Low-speed car accidents may not always cause visible damage to vehicles, but they can still result in significant injuries. At Zaber Law, we specialize in helping clients who have suffered injuries in car accidents, including those that seem minor at first.
If you’ve been hurt in a low-speed accident, contact us at Zaber Law to discuss your options for pursuing compensation. You deserve to recover fully from your injuries, no matter how the accident happened.
