What Is Considered a Low-Impact Car Accident?

Low-impact car accidents have been defined by multiple sources as a collision occurring at a speed of 10 MPH or less, from which the parties walk away with little to no property damage. “Fender-benders” are a common type of accident in this category.

Be aware, however, that myths surround low-impact car accidents. One common mistake is believing that they don’t cause serious injuries or mechanical damage to cars which seem fine on the outside. Some people try to handle insurance claims alone for minor accidents and are surprised to discover how hard it is to secure fair compensation.

At Big Auto, our car accident attorneys understand that any accident can be traumatic and harmful. Some factors affecting the severity of injuries and property damage take time and skill to discern. 

Comparing Low-Impact vs. High-Impact Accidents

High-impact auto accidents usually result in severe damage to vehicles and property. The people involved can sustain life-threatening injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 18,720 people died in motor vehicle crashes between January and June 2024. Low-impact accidents cause less damage to people and property than high-impact collisions. 

Drivers can reduce the impact of accidents by:

• Wearing seat belts 
• Securing children in car or booster seats
• Keeping their focus on the road
• Ensuring that the vehicle airbags are enabled and functional
• Driving defensively to anticipate potential hazards
• Following speed limits and traffic laws
• Performing regular maintenance on brakes, tires, and other critical systems
• Avoiding driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol 
• Using headlights in low light or poor weather conditions
• Maintaining a safe following distance and avoiding sudden stops
• Adjusting mirrors to provide a clear view of the surroundings 
• Using signals to indicate turns
• Checking blind spots before changing lanes
• Addressing vehicle recalls promptly
• Securing large or heavy objects 
• Staying calm and courteous on the road
• Getting enough rest before driving

Though low-impact accidents are less likely to be fatal, they are not without their fair share of danger. One risk is that those involved seriously misjudged how serious they are. First, let’s consider the potential health repercussions. 

Recognizing Injuries From Low-Impact Accidents

A report shared by the College of Safety & Emergency Services brings out some facts you should know. First, the amount of vehicle damage is not directly correlated to the degree of occupant injury. In other words, even if your car seems fine, you may not be.

Second, low-impact injuries, compared to high-impact injuries, can be just as severe if not even more so. Why? Auto safety systems focus on responding to high-impact events. 

What does this mean for you? Seek medical attention as soon as possible after a car accident. The symptoms of some conditions are difficult to detect or appear later. In other cases, stress hormones mask the pain of serious injuries such as those described below.

Bone injuries

Bones can break or fracture at low speeds of impact. 

Low-impact accident survivors can suffer from injuries similar to those described below:

• Butterfly fractures occur when diagonal cracks in the bone intersect, creating a triangular fragment in the middle that loosely resembles an insect’s wings
• Vertebrae collapse, get compressed from the pressure, or get separated in compression or distraction fractures
• Buckle fractures occur when a bone gets compressed on one side, causing it to bend

Doctors can use sophisticated equipment to diagnose these severe injuries. Yet, medical machinery is not infallible. In many cases, seeking a second opinion is the best course of action.

For instance, hairline fractures are difficult to detect on X-rays. So, if your pain and swelling persist after a visit to the emergency room, don’t hesitate to consult a medical doctor again. 

Also, remember that children’s bones are more flexible than adults, making them more likely to suffer specific fractures. Never assume that they are okay just because the adults are.

Whiplash

Whiplash is a neck injury that occurs due to a rapid back-and-forth motion of the neck. This injury is typical in rear-end car accidents, where the sudden impact causes the head to jerk forward and snap back. This rapid motion can damage muscles and ligaments in the neck, leading to pain and stiffness. 

Symptoms of whiplash may not appear immediately. It can take hours or even days for neck pain, headaches, dizziness, and reduced range of motion to develop. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent long-term complications.

Ignoring whiplash symptoms could lead to chronic pain and mobility issues. Therefore, prompt medical evaluation is crucial for recovery. Your medical report will also serve as valuable evidence to support your compensation claim. 

Soft-tissue injuries

Soft-tissue injuries affect muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They often result from the sudden impact and rapid deceleration of a crash. 

Unlike broken bones, which are more easily identified through X-rays, soft-tissue injuries may not be immediately obvious. Since they don’t always show up on standard imaging tests, it is essential to have a thorough medical examination.

Healthcare professionals use a combination of physical examinations, patient history, and advanced imaging techniques, such as MRI or ultrasound, to identify these conditions accurately. 

Traumatic brain injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) like concussions occur due to sudden jolts or blows to the head. They can result from direct contact with the steering wheel, dashboard, or rapid deceleration. 

Symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Memory problems

Symptoms of TBI may develop hours or even days after an accident. Ignoring the symptoms can lead to more long-term consequences and even brain damage. 

Handling Claims With Insurance Companies

You should report your car accident to your insurance company. Since the damage may look minimal, demonstrating the extent of your injuries and the damage to your vehicle might prove challenging. 

A personal injury attorney who understands the importance of thorough documentation can help you:

• Take photos of the scene
• Collect witness statements and video footage
• Gather medical records, repair estimates, and proof of missed income

Understanding your insurance policy, especially the deductible, is crucial. Attorneys’ skills in navigating legal procedures can maximize the compensation you receive, including reimbursement for the repair costs you paid out of pocket.

Moving Forward After a Minor Collision

Not all car accidents result in severe injuries or significant property damage, but underestimating their impact on your health and finances is unwise. You can limit the financial hardship of your motor vehicle accident by making the right decisions now. Filing a claim is often the only way to cover unexpected medical expenses and repair costs. 

What should you do if you have been involved in a low-impact car crash? Get help to understand the medical and legal consequences of your experience. Our team of experienced personal injury lawyers is available nationwide to guide you and tell you what your case may be worth.

All you have to do is contact us. You can tell an investigator the details of your case and arrange an in-person meeting. That meeting will last about 30-60 minutes, giving us time to explain your legal options and create a strategy for success.

Book a free consultation with Big Auto Accident Attorneys by contacting us at 1 (844) BIG-AUTO. You are important to us no matter how big or small of a collision you have been in, so our representatives stand by 24/7 to take your call.

Photo by Xan Griffin on Unsplash