Not all car accidents in California are catastrophic or high-speed collisions. Yet even a low-speed or low-impact crash could cause serious injuries. If you get hurt in a low-speed crash, it is important to know your rights when it comes to pursuing financial compensation for your injuries and losses. Do not allow an insurance company to underestimate the value of your claim. Let our Orange County car accident attorney advocate on your behalf.
Whiplash
Whiplash is a type of injury that affects the soft tissues of the neck, such as the muscles, tendons, joints and ligaments. It can occur when the forces of a car accident “whip” the victim’s head and neck rapidly forward and backward. This is a common type of injury in a rear-end collision that can occur even if the crash happens at low speed. Whiplash can result in neck pain and difficulty moving the head and neck. While most victims can recover from whiplash injuries in a matter of weeks, some experience long-lasting symptoms and chronic neck pain that may interfere with daily life or the victim’s ability to work.
Lumbar Spine Injuries
The spinal cord consists of 33 vertebrae, separated into five sections. The section located in the lower back is known as the lumbar spine. The five lumbar vertebrae, marked L1 to L5, are the largest of all spinal bones. A low-speed car accident could cause a lumbar spine injury if the forces of the crash strain or sprain the soft tissues in the lower back. Another potential lumbar spine injury is a ruptured, herniated or slipped disk. Spinal disks are jelly-like cushions that provide shock absorption in between the vertebrae. A disk injury can result in significant and lasting pain in the affected area due to the displaced disk pressing on surrounding nerves.
Seat Belt Injuries
Although seat belts can prevent severe to catastrophic car accident injuries, they may also inflict some injuries. The force of a vehicle occupant’s body against the seat belt in a low-speed collision could cause bruising or soft-tissue damage in parts of the body that absorb the impact, such as the chest and hips. This pattern of injuries is known as “seat belt syndrome.”
Concussions
Even a low-speed car accident could result in a traumatic brain injury such as a concussion if the victim hits his or her head in the crash. A brain injury could cause debilitating symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, mental confusion or disorientation, fatigue, and mood swings, even if the brain injury is classified as “mild.”
How to Seek Financial Compensation After a Low-Speed Car Accident
If you get involved in any type of automobile accident in California – even a minor crash – it is vital to seek medical attention for potential injuries. Even if you initially feel fine after a low-speed collision, you may have injuries that are hidden by your adrenaline. A doctor can diagnose injuries promptly so that you can receive treatment right away. Most car accident cases in California begin with a claim filed against an at-fault driver’s auto insurance company. Unfortunately, insurers do not want what is best for clients. An insurer may use tactics such as underestimating your losses to protect its own profits – especially if the crash appears minor. It is important not to rush into a fast settlement with an insurance company if you wish to protect your rights after a low-speed collision. Instead, contact an attorney to help you negotiate with the car insurance company. Your lawyer will investigate the collision, determine the at-fault party and gather evidence to support your claim.