Fender Benders: Do You Need a Lawyer?

You get into a fender bender. Afterward, you think about hiring a lawyer. But you feel fine. And lawyers only work on cases with serious injuries, right? 

Whether your accident was serious or minor, you have rights. Below, we discuss why minor accidents are more serious than you think. We also explain how a Laurel personal injury lawyer can help you after a minor car accident. 

What Is a “Minor” Car Accident?

Let’s be clear: every car accident is serious to the people involved in it. However, some car accidents are more serious than others. 

The most dangerous car accidents happen when two vehicles moving at high speeds slam into each other. The point of impact also matters. Head-on collisions tend to cause more injuries – and more serious ones – than other accidents. 

By contrast, minor car accidents happen at low speeds, usually less than 10 mph. They typically occur in places where cars are just beginning to move, such as intersections and parking lots. Most, but not all, minor car accidents are rear-end collisions.  

Are Minor Car Accidents Dangerous?

Minor car accidents can cause major problems. Here are a few things to consider: 

• “Low speed” doesn’t mean no speed. While moving at 5 mph or less might not seem like much, it’s far faster than our bodies are used to when they are at rest. As such, the rapid jerking motion caused by an abrupt stop can cause serious injuries. 
• Minor accidents often cause injuries. One study found that nearly 75 percent of people in “minor” accidents were diagnosed with injuries within a few weeks of the crash. 
• The injuries from minor accidents can be long-lasting. A Canadian study found that 53 percent of people injured in minor car accidents reported continued pain six months after the crash. 

Clearly, minor accidents should be taken seriously. 

What Kind of Injuries Happen in Minor Car Accidents?

The types of injuries in any particular case will be determined by many factors, including the injured person’s health, headrest positioning, and seat belt usage. However, common injuries in minor car accidents include 

• Whiplash 
• Sprains (especially to the back) 
• Strains (especially to the shoulders) 
• Herniated discs 
• Bruises (contusions)
• Concussions 

I Feel Fine. Do I Need to See a Doctor?

Yes. Feeling “fine” after an accident doesn’t mean that you are. Some injuries, like cuts, are obvious. But others can stay hidden for days or even weeks. A doctor can look for early warning signs of injury. 

Also, if you wait too long to see a doctor, the other driver’s insurance company will argue that your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim. Seeking prompt medical treatment shatters this argument. 

My Injuries Were Minor. Is Hiring a Lawyer Worth it?

Yes. Even in a minor car accident, if you can prove that a careless driver caused your injuries, you may be entitled to damages. Damages are money awarded to an injured person to compensate them for the physical, emotional, and financial suffering caused by the accident. Typical damages in minor accidents include payment for medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Your attorney can tell you about other damages that may be appropriate in your case. 

You may worry that you can’t afford to hire a Waldorf personal injury lawyer to help with your fender bender. However, most personal injury lawyers use contingency fee agreements. In these arrangements, the lawyer takes no money up front. Instead, they agree to take a percentage of whatever you recover in the case. The lawyer gets paid only if you win. So, hiring an attorney is likely more affordable than you think.  

How Can a Lawyer Help Me After a Fender Bender?

Even in a minor claim, a Laurel injury lawyer can be an invaluable resource. An experienced attorney can keep you from making a costly mistake. Insurance companies will use your recorded statement, your medical records, and even your social media posts against you. A lawyer can help you avoid these pitfalls.

A Leonardtown personal injury lawyer can also help if your insurer or the other driver’s insurance company denies your claim or tries to say that you were responsible for the accident. A lawyer can help you refute these arguments and build a strong case. 

Do You Need Help With a Minor Car Accident?  

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, don’t assume that your case is “too small” for a lawyer to take. Lawyers work to protect your rights. Your rights don’t change because your accident or injuries are minor compared to others’. 

If you need help after a major or minor car accident in Maryland, call the Law Offices of Thomas E. Pyles. The lawyers at our Laurel accident law firm have over 50 years of combined experience and have handled over 360 jury trials. We’d be honored to put our experience to work for you. To schedule a free consultation, call 301-705-5006 or complete our online intake form.