Can a Minor Car Accident Cause Injury?

Even minor auto accidents can cause damage to vehicles and injuries to the parties involved. When car accidents happen, seek medical attention promptly no matter how minor they seem.

Symptoms of minor injuries may manifest a few days after the car accident, so make sure that everything about the accident is well-documented. You can still hold the negligent driver liable even if the damage seems inconsequential.

What Is Considered a Minor Auto Accident?

Minor car accidents cause slight damage to the vehicle. Minor accidents do not impede the vehicle’s functions because they are usually low impact. This means you can still drive your vehicle away from the incident after the accident.

If injuries occurred, the injuries are also slight, like scrapes, bruises, and back pain. You can still move around as if nothing happened. Usually, the cars involved are running on a low speed in fender bender situations, thus very minimal damage occurs.

In contrast, major car accidents result in serious injuries and sometimes death. Major accidents cause severe damage to the vehicle or other nearby properties. Colliding cars that are running on moderate to high speeds often cause major car crashes. Major accidents are costly, especially when they resulted to life threatening injuries. Aside from medical bills, the at fault party could face serious consequences under the law.

Examples of Minor Car Accidents

A fender bender includes the following:

  • Rear-end collision
  • Side-Impact accident
  • Left-Turn accident
  • Low speed collisions
  • Getting hit while backing the car out of spot in the parking lot
  • Busted headlight
  • Busted taillight
  • Hit and run
  • Dent on the vehicle side, doors, or body panels
  • Busted or punctured tire
  • Scratch on the bumper

Should You Let a Minor Auto Accident Go?

When a minor car accident occurs, parties might agree to go their separate ways since the damage or injury is minimal. However, it is best not to decide right away to give up any claim or settle for the amount as suggested by the insurance company.

Accepting the settlement amount immediately may prevent any claim for compensation in the future. Do a thorough evaluation of the incident before making any decision. It is best to have a credible lawyer at your side before deciding on any matter connected with the accident.

Examples of Minor Injuries

When a minor accident happens on the road, it can result to minor injuries such as:

  • Neck pain and other neck injuries
  • Back pain
  • Some cases of whiplash
  • Joint injuries
  • Soft tissue injury
  • Burn injuries
  • Strains and sprains
  • Concussion and other head injuries like bumps and bruises
  • Common injuries like fractures and broken bones
  • Pulled muscles or ligaments
  • Emotional trauma, depression, and psychological damage

Even minor accidents can result to unexpected medical situations so it is best to have yourself checked after the incident. Some minor injuries have delayed manifestations on the body that can cost one his or her life if ignored.

So, do not say anything like, “I’m feeling well,” and “I do not have any injuries” when you are interviewed at the accident site. Anything that you say could affect your future claims against the other driver.

Can You Sustain Severe Injuries From a Minor Car Accident?

A minor accident can still result in serious injuries, especially when medical symptoms do not appear immediately. Some injuries have delayed onset, meaning pain or other symptoms may surface hours or even days after a crash. This delay can complicate both treatment and how to prove negligence, particularly when insurers question whether an injury was actually caused by the accident.

For example, traumatic brain injuries may initially present as dizziness, headaches, or problems with memory and concentration well after the collision. Without early documentation, insurers may dispute the connection between the crash and the injury. Back injuries can also worsen over time, turning what first feels like soreness into chronic or long-lasting pain. Prompt reporting and medical evaluation help document the progression of symptoms and establish a clear link between the accident and the resulting harm.

Making a Bodily Injury Claim With The Insurance Company

Getting hurt in a car accident entitles one to be compensated for physical injuries and financial loss.

The first party claim may be filed with the driver’s own insurance company. Regardless of who is at fault, the insurance company will pay for the medical bills and wages lost by the one who makes the claim.

If the other driver is at fault, a third party lawsuit should be filed against the other driver’s insurance company. In third party claims, it is important to prove that the other driver is at fault or was negligent.

The claimant also has to prove that the injuries suffered meets the threshold as required under the law. The injured party should prove that the injuries sustained caused serious impairment in his body functions. It is best to talk to an experienced personal injury attorney to help you in making a bodily injury claim after a minor accident.

Steps To Take When You Get in a Minor Car Accident

The next few minutes after an accident can be stressful. If ever you get involved in minor auto accidents, here are the first few things that you should do:

Get medical attention as soon as possible.

Some minor car accident injuries manifest their symptoms a few days after the incident. Make sure to have yourself, including your passengers if any, checked and fully evaluated.

Document your injuries. Photograph your injuries including the accident scene.

These are critical when you intend to make car accident claim from your insurance. Write down everything that you have felt and experienced after the accident.  Make sure not to dismiss even slight dizziness or headache. Tell them right away to your doctor.

File a police report

Call the police even in fender benders. You have to get the police involved if there has been death or injury, or the damage is more than $1,000.

Call a lawyer.

If you get involved in a minor car accident, inform your lawyer. Do not make any statement to any person, especially details about the accident. Talking to a qualified lawyer is important in securing compensation.

Get a Free Case Evaluation From an Experienced Car Accident Attorney

If you’ve been injured in a crash, find a Michigan auto accident lawyer who can help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

The Clark Law Office is a leading Michigan personal injury lawyer dedicated to representing those who have been involved in auto accidents. We know that dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be stressful and complicated.  We have over 30 years of extensive experience when it comes to legal battles pertaining to car accidents. Whether you have been in a major car accident or have suffered from minor auto accidents, we are ready to help you.

Discover how low-impact crashes still lead to claims in our laws and legal process page.

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