Although it is not necessary to hire a lawyer for minor accidents, you might consider doing so to protect yourself.
This is what you might see: As you drive to work or leave the grocery store parking lot at night, something unexpected happens. Another driver hits you. It might be tempting to exchange information with the other driver, and then we can both go our separate ways. What should I do if my car is involved in a minor accident?
It may be in your best interests to hire a lawyer, even for minor accidents, depending on the circumstances of the crash, the extent of the damage to the vehicles, and any injuries.
You may be more hurt than you think
You might think that if another driver hits you in an accident, you’ll file a claim with insurance or the other driver. Then, they will check the damage to the vehicle, and you’ll put it in the rearview mirror.
It isn’t always easy. Even a minor accident can quickly turn into a huge legal battle that you might not be able to win on your own, especially if the injury did not occur immediately following the crash.
There are possible injuries you may have sustained
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, motor vehicle-related injuries result in more than 2.3 million people visiting the emergency room each year. You may feel an adrenaline rush even after a minor accident. However, it is possible not to seek medical attention immediately because you believe you aren’t hurt.
You might sustain injuries from a minor accident. These injuries may not manifest until days, weeks, or months later. These injuries can lead to chronic pain that may require rehabilitation and long-term treatment.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries can cause damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Even low-speed accidents can produce a lot of force. Drivers might hit the brakes and cause the vehicle to stop abruptly. This can cause the neck to move forcefully. This motion can cause whiplash. According to the Cleveland Clinic, symptoms can take several days to manifest after an accident.
- Stiffness and swelling of the neck
- Movement and neck pain
- Muscle spasms
- Headaches
- Shoulder pain
- Arm tingling or numbness
- Memory loss
- Fatigue
Head Injuries
The other vehicle driver may have hit you, and your head might have hit the steering wheel. However, you probably didn’t notice. You might have suffered a concussion if this happened in a car accident. Although traumas are often severe, symptoms may not appear immediately. The Mayo Clinic describes concussion symptoms as:
- Headache
- Ringing in the ears
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Drooling or fatigue
- Brilliance in vision
- Confusion
Consult a doctor after a car accident
Concussions and soft tissue injuries are common after a minor accident. These conditions may require hospitalization, doctor visits, and imaging tests. Rehabilitation, prescription medication, and other services are also possible.
These medical costs can quickly add up. Even if you don’t believe you were hurt, it is important to seek medical attention immediately after a car accident. You might lose your right to seek compensation for accident-related injuries if you settle your insurance claim quickly and accept an initial payment.
If you wish to sue the at-fault driver for personal injury or insurance claims, it is best to get a doctor to document your injuries as soon as possible.
Both economic and non-economic damages
You should not pay for the expenses incurred by yourself if another driver causes your injuries or vehicle damage. In some cases, you may be eligible for compensation through an insurance claim. You could be suitable for economic damages, including but not limited to:
- Medical bills
- LOST LOCAL WORKERS
- Property damage
- Loss of earning potential
In addition to financial (less tangible) damages.
- The two most painful things in life are suffering and pain
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment in life activities
Remember that you only have a short time to file a personal injury case and hire a car accident lawyer to help you with a minor accident. Each state has its statute of limitations. You might lose your chance to seek compensation in court for your injuries and losses if the time limit expires.
Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC Today
You shouldn’t have to shoulder the financial responsibility for minor car accidents where you sustained injuries or property damage. Ben Crump Law PLLC will not charge you any upfront fees or out-of-pocket unless we settle for you. To speak with a team member, call 800713-1222 today for a free case evaluation.