Low-Speed Collisions Can Still Result in High Expenses
When people think of car accidents, they often picture high-speed crashes on highways or major intersections. But accidents also occur in parking lots, residential streets, and stop-and-go traffic, and these collisions often happen at low speeds but still can result in physical harm and financial losses.
Bucks County personal injury attorneys know that just because an accident happens at a slow speed doesn’t mean it’s harmless. Seasoned lawyers have fought for car accident victim recovery for accidents at nearly every speed. If you need financial support following a low-speed crash, know that the speed of the event doesn’t mean you should forgo pursuing compensation.
Injuries and Possible Financial Relief Challenges
Even at speeds of 5-10 miles per hour, enough force is generated for injuries to be possible. Some of the most common injuries seen in low-speed accidents include:
- A sudden jolt, even at low speeds, can cause the neck to snap back and forth, leading to whiplash. Symptoms may include stiffness, headaches, and chronic pain.
- Head trauma. Concussions and other head injuries are possible if a driver or passenger hit their head against the steering wheel, dashboard, or headrest during the course of a collision.
- Soft tissue damage. Ongoing pain and limited mobility can follow if a person sustains sprains, strains, and tears to muscles and ligaments.
- Back and spine injuries. Herniated discs, nerve compression, and general back pain can develop even if the crash occurs at low velocity.
- Psychological distress. Anxiety and PTSD-like symptoms can arise following any car accident, regardless of speed.
Despite these injuries, insurance companies and at-fault drivers may try to dismiss injury claims from low-speed accidents. They may argue that because the crash happened at a slow speed or in a seemingly minor setting like a parking lot, the injuries must not be serious. Unfortunately, this misconception can make it harder for victims to get the compensation they deserve.
In some cases, insurers point to minimal property damage, asserting that the injuries must also be minor or nonexistent. This is a flawed assumption, as modern vehicle designs absorb impact differently, meaning injuries can still occur even if a car shows little visible harm.
Don’t Let a Slow-Speed Crash Argument Diminish Your Claim
Just because an accident took place at a slow speed doesn’t mean you should be discouraged from seeking legal recourse. If you suffered injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, you deserve compensation, regardless of how fast the vehicles were moving.
You have rights, and an experienced Bucks County personal injury attorney can help you secure the financial relief you need to recover. After being hurt in a low-speed accident, don’t let insurance companies convince you that your claim isn’t worth pursuing.
Are you healing from an accident injury that was sustained when you were traveling at a low speed? The legal team at Kevin L. Hand, P.C. has the skills you need. You do not need to negotiate with insurance companies or collect evidence on your own. Lean on years of experience and success. Call 215-968-6602.
