Protecting Your Rights After A Low-Speed Impact

When people think of car accidents and legal cases, they often picture high-speed collisions, but low-speed impacts can still result in serious injuries and losses, too. Even when vehicle damage is minimal, victims can suffer from back, neck, and soft tissue injuries.

After being injured in a low-speed crash, it’s essential to understand your rights. You don’t have to research all of the avenues of relief on your own. When you meet with a Miami personal injury lawyer, you will connect with the legal guidance you need to secure the compensation you deserve.

Where Low-Speed Accidents Happen

Miami is a bustling city, and there are accidents in a wide range of places and circumstances. When it comes to low-speed crashes, they often occur in the following places.

• Parking lots. With high pedestrian activity and cars maneuvering in tight spaces, fender-benders happen often in shopping centers, office complexes, and grocery stores.
• Stop-and-go traffic. Miami’s congested roads create conditions where rear-end collisions at low speeds are common.
• Residential areas. Neighborhoods with frequent stop signs and driveways see a high number of low-speed accidents.

Following these collisions, some assume that if a car isn’t visibly damaged the people inside the vehicle must be unharmed, but research and real-world cases prove otherwise. The sudden jolt from a minor collision can cause whiplash, a painful condition that results in long-term discomfort and restricted mobility. The impact of a crash, at any speed, can place unexpected stress on the spine, leading to herniated or bulging discs that cause chronic pain as well.

Plus, muscles, tendons, and ligaments can suffer strains or sprains, requiring physical therapy and ongoing medical treatment. And even in a minor crash, a driver or passenger’s head may strike a window, headrest, or steering wheel, leading to a concussion or mild traumatic brain injury. These injuries may not be immediately apparent, but they can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.

Pushing Back Against Denials

Insurance companies often downplay injuries from low-speed collisions, claiming that the lack of vehicle damage means there’s no significant harm. Their word is not the law, and Florida courts have recognized that even minor crashes can cause serious medical conditions.

For example, in a recent Miami case, a victim involved in a parking lot collision with little visible damage to her vehicle secured a settlement for her ongoing neck and back pain. Medical records and expert testimony demonstrated that her injuries were directly linked to the crash, despite the insurance company’s initial denial.

Scheduling a conversion with a knowledgeable Miami personal injury lawyer is one of the most important steps you can take. Insurance companies often put forward low offers, especially in cases where vehicle damage is minor. An experienced attorney can help gather medical evidence, negotiate with insurers, and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Could you use some legal advice? Don’t let insurance companies dismiss your injuries simply because your car looks fine. If you’ve suffered pain after a low-speed impact, contact the attorneys at Spencer Morgan Law. Call 305-423-3800 to book a confidential consultation.