Low-speed crashes can still lead to hidden pain and long-term damage
Not every car accident ends in a totaled vehicle, but that doesn’t mean you walk away unharmed. Even a low-speed rear-end accident can cause serious physical damage, and many people don’t feel the full effects until hours or even days later. The truth is, there’s really no such thing as a “minor” crash when it comes to your health.
Even if your vehicle only got bumped, your body still absorbs the force of the impact. And when that force jolts your head, neck, or spine, it can lead to long-term pain, limited movement, or even permanent injury.
The hidden dangers of "minor" accidents
Low-speed crashes may not cause visible damage to your vehicle, but the impact on your body is a different story. Your vehicle might only have a small dent, but inside your body, soft tissue, nerves, and discs can take a serious hit. During a crash, even at just 10 to 15 mph, the sudden impact throws your body forward and back. Your muscles, joints, ligaments, and nerves all absorb that motion, which can cause damage beneath the surface.
You might not feel pain right away. After a collision, adrenaline can mask your symptoms. Many people don’t realize they’re hurt until the next morning or even weeks later. And by then, the damage may have gotten worse.
And while safety features like seatbelts and airbags are life-saving, they can also cause injuries due to the sudden restraint and pressure they apply during impact.
Common major injuries after a minor crash
Some of the most common and serious injuries that can occur in a "minor" traffic accident include:
- Whiplash: This common injury occurs when the head rapidly snaps forward and backward. It often leads to headaches, neck pain, and reduced mobility, sometimes lasting for months.
- Spinal cord injuries: Herniated discs or bulging discs can occur even without a major impact. These injuries can press on nerves, leading to chronic back pain, sciatica, numbness, or weakness in the limbs.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): A sudden jolt or blow to the head during a crash can cause the brain to shift or collide with the skull, resulting in a range of injuries. Some TBIs can be severe or life-threatening, like brain hemorrhages, contusions, or diffuse axonal injuries. These injuries often require immediate medical attention and ongoing care.
- Internal bleeding or organ damage: Even without obvious trauma, seatbelt force or blunt impact can damage internal organs like the liver, kidneys, or spleen. These injuries are particularly dangerous because symptoms may not always appear immediately.
- Fractures and broken bones: Wrist, rib, or collarbone fractures can occur if your body is bracing during the crash. Airbag deployment can also lead to broken facial bones or arm fractures.
These injuries aren’t always visible or immediate, but they can interfere with your work, sleep, and daily routine for weeks or longer.
Why seeing a doctor and a lawyer matters
If you’re ever in a crash, even what might seem like a "minor" one, get checked out by a medical professional right away. Many car accident injuries may not be apparent immediately, and catching them early can help prevent complications in the future. You’ll also create an official medical record, which is important if you need to file an insurance claim later.
Insurance companies are quick to dismiss low-impact crashes and may downplay your pain, but just because a collision didn’t look serious doesn’t mean it didn’t hurt you. Having a lawyer on your side helps protect your rights, especially if your injury turns out to be more serious than you thought.
Talk to a South Carolina car accident lawyer as soon as possible
At Johnson + Johnson Attorneys at Law, we know that even "minor" accidents can lead to significant injuries. Our team has helped countless people in Lexington and across South Carolina recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering after being injured in crashes.
If you or someone you love was hurt in a crash, contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story and explain your legal options. It costs you nothing to find out if you have a case, and we offer legal representation to accident victims on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
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