It is a misconception to assume that a low-impact car accident or minor “fender bender” cannot cause severe injuries. Even at a low speed, crash victims can suffer serious, painful and debilitating bodily injuries. The force of two vehicles colliding is enough to inflict major injuries at any speed.
Whiplash
A common type of low-impact car accident injury is whiplash, seen most often in rear-end collisions. Whiplash is a soft-tissue injury affecting the neck. It occurs when a crash victim’s head and neck rapidly whip forward and backward due to the forces of the collision. This can strain or overextend the muscles and ligaments of the neck. Whiplash symptoms include pain and stiffness in the neck, headaches, dizziness, and blurred vision.
Back Injuries
The back and spinal cord can sustain injury in a low-speed crash. The lower back is especially susceptible to harm in this type of accident, with common injuries such as slipped and herniated disks, muscle sprains or strains, cervical spine injuries, and pinched or damaged nerves. Pre-existing back injuries and conditions can also be exacerbated by a low-impact car accident.
Soft-Tissue Damage
The soft tissues of the body, such as the muscles, tendons and ligaments, can suffer injury no matter how severe the level of impact. Low-speed collisions can still cause sprains, strains and tears to soft tissues in various parts of the body. These injuries often result in mobility limitations, stiffness or soreness, nerve damage, and chronic pain.
Seat Belt Syndrome
Seat belt syndrome can occur even when a victim’s car is struck at a low speed. This is a pattern of injuries caused by the impact of the victim’s body against the shoulder and lap belt of a safety restraint system. It can involve bruising, contusions, internal injuries, organ damage, abdominal injuries, thoracic injuries, rib fractures and spinal cord injuries.
Concussions
Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries may arise during a low-impact crash if the victim hits his or her head on the steering wheel, windshield, window or other elements inside the vehicle. It does not take a hard hit or high-speed impact to cause a concussion, cerebral contusion, diffuse-axonal injury or other brain injuries. Common symptoms include loss of consciousness, dizziness, confusion, headaches, nausea and vomiting, and loss of memory.
Emotional Injuries
A car accident does not need to be extremely severe to inflict emotional distress and psychological trauma on survivors. Conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic anxiety and depression can still arise as an outcome of a low-impact car accident.
Low-Impact Car Accident Injuries Can Still Be Serious
Low-impact car accidents may not be apparent immediately. This can lead to costly delays in medical care and treatment. If you get involved in any type of accident in New York, it is critical to seek prompt medical care to diagnose any injuries you may have.
If you discover serious injuries from a low-impact car accident, contact a personal injury attorney in Forest Hills to advocate for you during the insurance claims process. You may have grounds to file a claim with your own insurer or against the at-fault party outside of New York’s no-fault insurance rule, depending on injury severity.
Unfortunately, insurance companies can make it exceedingly difficult to get a fair settlement after a low-impact crash. They may argue that you suffered minor to no injuries, even if this isn’t true. An attorney can help you hold one or more parties responsible for your low-impact collision and negotiate with insurers for maximum compensation.