The term “fender bender” is used to describe a minor car accident that occurs at a low speed. These low-impact car accidents typically cause little—if any—property damage. But, it’s never safe to assume that a car accident was not serious simply because there is not much property damage. Every crash—even low-impact car accidents—can cause serious injuries.
Why Do Injuries Occur in Low-Impact Car Accidents?
Even if a vehicle is traveling at a low speed, it can still collide into your car with enough force to cause serious injuries. For example, let’s say a car that is traveling 10 miles per hour rear-ends your vehicle. Most standard-sized vehicles weigh about 2,000 pounds, which means a crash at this speed could produce a force of roughly 3.7 tons. The force is even greater if the vehicle is a truck or SUV since they weigh more than standard-sized cars. To put it simply, a car can still produce enough force to cause devastating injuries even if it is traveling at a very low speed.
Studies also show that people who are involved in low-speed rear-end accidents can suffer injuries due to a principle called “magnification of acceleration.” This principle states that in a rear-end accident, the passengers inside the vehicle will accelerate at a faster speed than the vehicle itself. This means the passengers will absorb a significant amount of the force of the crash, which can lead to devastating injuries.
Common Low-Impact Car Accident Injuries
Low-impact car accidents often lead to soft tissue injuries such as strains, sprains, tears, and whiplash. Anyone who is involved in a low-impact accident could sustain these injuries, but having a pre-existing injury could put you at a greater risk. For example, let’s say you are suffering from minor neck pain. If you are involved a low-impact car accident, the force of the collision could strain the muscles in your neck and make your pain even worse.
If you have been injured in a low-impact accident, make sure you gather evidence that can be used to prove your injuries. The at-fault party’s insurance company may question whether the accident was serious enough to injure you, so you must be able to provide evidence that supports your claim.
Have you been injured in a low-impact crash caused by a negligent driver? If so, contact attorney Martin Gasparian as soon as possible. Mr. Gasparian will aggressively negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance company to secure compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Schedule a free consultation regarding your case by calling 559-203-3333 or submitting your information at MaisonLaw.com.
