Low-impact car accidents are common in Maryland, but that does not necessarily mean that they do not cause severe injuries. Fender-benders, another name used to describe low-impact car accidents, can occur in a variety of situations. If you are involved in a slow-speed accident, you need to treat the accident as you would any other car crash. The steps you take after the collision can significantly impact your chances of receiving full compensation for your damages. Causes of Low Impact Car Crashes A slow-speed or low-impact traffic accident may occur in a variety of situations. Common situations where a low impact collision may occur include:

• Parking lot accidents
• Rear-end collisions in slow-moving traffic
• Collisions in school zones
• Vehicles colliding at an all-stop intersection
• Stop-and-go traffic
• Accidents in a drive-thru lane
• Merging or changing lanes in slow traffic

Injuries in low impact car crashes can be severe and cause long-term pain and impairments. However, many insurance companies treat these accidents as simple “fender benders” that do not result in any damage other than some minor property damage. Unfortunately, victims who suffer soft tissue injuries in low-speed accidents often are denied the compensation they deserve unless they hire an aggressive Maryland car accident attorney to fight for their legal right to be paid for their damages. Neck Injuries Sustained in a Low-Speed Car Accident Rear-end crashes are the most common type of low-speed car accidents. When a vehicle collides with the rear of another vehicle, the sudden impact can cause the head to whip back and forth in a violent motion. This “whipping” motion can cause substantial tearing and damage to the soft tissues in the neck. In some cases, whiplash and soft tissue damages may heal by themselves with little intervention by a chiropractor. However, some cases of whiplash can cause severe pain, limited range of motion, and other debilitating symptoms. Accident victims who suffer whiplash symptoms should continue to follow-up with their chiropractor for ongoing treatment. Careful and detailed documentation of the injury is one of the best ways to prove that you suffered a severe injury in a low-speed accident. Other Injuries in Rear-End and Low-Speed Auto Accidents Whiplash is just one of the injuries a person may sustain in a low impact car crash. Other injuries that are common in low impact and rear-end collisions include:

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Closed Head Injuries, including concussions
• Spinal Cord Trauma
• Ribcage Injuries
• Facial Scarring and Disfigurement
• Broken Bones
• Other Soft Tissue Injuries

It is very important to see a doctor as soon as possible after a car accident, even a low impact collision. One of the issues an insurance company raises to fight claims in low-speed crashes is the delay or lack of medical treatment. Therefore, if you are in a so-called fender bender, you need to see a physician even if you do not believe your injuries are serious. The soreness and other symptoms you experience may be an indication of a more severe injury. Your doctor should perform a complete examination and diagnostic tests to determine the extent of your injuries. What Should Victims of Low Impact Collisions Do? As with any car accident, you need to call 911 to request assistance. Do not allow the other driver to convince you to handle the matter “just between the two of you.” You need an official record of the accident for insurance purposes. If a driver leaves the scene of an accident, you should remain at the accident scene until police arrive. A driver may be charged with hit and run if he leaves the scene of an accident. If possible, you should take photographs and videos of the accident scene, including the vehicles. Also, you need to make sure to get the contact information for any eyewitnesses because most people tend to leave before the officer arrives, if the accident appears to have caused minor damage and no one is injured. As with any other traffic accident, our Maryland accident attorneys advise that you do not provide a written or recorded statement or sign any documents for the other driver’s insurance company until you have met with one of our lawyers. Serious injuries resulting from slow-impact accidents can have long-term consequences. You do not want an insurance adjuster taking advantage of you to gain information he believes could reduce your chance of recovering compensation in an accident claim. Call a Maryland Car Accident Attorney for More Information If you are uncertain whether you have grounds for an accident claim, take advantage of our free consultation. Contact Pinder Plotkin, LLC by calling 410-525-5337. Our law firm assists clients in Baltimore County and throughout Maryland.   The information provided in this website is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject. The information contained in this blog is also subject to change and should not be relied upon. Contact the Pinder Plotkin Legal Team for a FREE consultation.