In some car accidents, the vehicles are traveling at a slower speed, and the damages to them are minimal. If a victim does not believe that he suffered injuries, he may make the mistake of taking the crash lightly. However, the truth is that low-speed car crashes can cause people to suffer serious injuries that can require surgery and months or longer off work.
What Is a Low-Speed Car Accident?
A car accident where the vehicles are traveling at 10 miles per hour or slower is referred to as a slow-speed car accident. They commonly occur at intersections where one vehicle is stopped, and a rear-end collision occurs.
Injuries Caused by Low-Speed Car Accidents
An insurance company will often try to discount the seriousness of a victim’s injuries in one of these crashes, especially if the damage to the vehicles is minimal. However, people can suffer serious injuries due to the sudden jerking of the head, neck, and other body parts due to the force of the impact. The likelihood of serious injuries increases if the at-fault vehicle was larger than the other vehicle involved in the collision.
Injuries in low-speed accidents frequently take days or longer before the symptoms emerge. Common injuries include:
- Whiplash—one of the most common injuries—and other neck injuries
- Injuries to the ligaments, tendons, and muscles of the back
- Chest injuries
- Head injuries
Challenges of Delayed Injuries in a Slow-Speed Auto Crash Claim
Like with other car accident claims, you have the burden of proving your case when you file a claim for compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you did not believe that you were hurt, you may not have sought medical treatment right after the crash. This can lead to arguments with the insurance company for the negligent driver as to the cause of your injuries.
Your best strategy in this situation is to see a doctor as soon as possible after your collision. You also want to retain an experienced car accident attorney right away to guide you through the process of filing your claim and fighting to prove your right to compensation. He will have handled many of these cases and have strategies to defeat the insurance company’s arguments about the severity of your injuries and delay in seeking medical treatment.
We Are Here to Help
Were you injured in a slow-speed car accident? Our experienced car accident attorneys are here to discuss your crash and your options for compensation for your injuries. Contact our Norfolk office today to schedule your free consultation.
|
Related Links: |