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Many people are not aware that rear-end collisions at speeds under 15 mph can result in life-changing injuries. The force of impact may seem minor, but the human body, especially the spine, neck, and brain can be highly vulnerable to sudden jolts, especially when the victim has preexisting underlying injuries or sensitivities.
The Santa Barbara car accident lawyers at NordstrandBlack PC have seen first-hand how a low-speed rear-end accident can lead to serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment and significant time away from work.
Injuries Caused by Low-Speed Rear-End Crashes
Physics plays a big role in understanding how damaging rear-end crashes can be. Even at low speeds, a vehicle weighing thousands of pounds transfers a significant amount of force to the occupants of the car it strikes. The sudden, unexpected motion may cause:
- Rear-end accident whiplash – When your head is rapidly whipped forward and backward, the neck’s muscles, ligaments, and nerves can be stretched or torn. Whiplash may cause severe pain, headaches, and restricted movement.
- Concussions – The brain can shift within the skull during the collision, leading to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Even without hitting your head, you may experience intense symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, memory issues, and fatigue.
- Spinal cord damage – The sudden impact can compress or twist the spine, leading to herniated discs, nerve compression, and chronic back pain.
The Importance of Early Medical Documentation and Imaging
If you have been involved in a low-speed rear-end accident, you will want to seek medical care right away, even if your injuries do not seem serious. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not show symptoms for hours or even days after the event.
Prompt medical evaluation is important for two reasons:
- Your health – Early diagnosis allows your doctor to start providing treatment right away.
- Your claim – Insurance companies may try to argue that low-impact crashes are unlikely to cause serious injuries. Detailed medical records, imaging (such as X-rays or MRIs), and physician notes provide important evidence linking your condition to the collision.
Unfair Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance companies are skilled at downplaying car accident compensation in low-speed cases. Some of their common tactics include:
- Arguing that vehicle damage was too minor to cause injury. They may point to minimal dents or scratches as “proof” that no one could have been hurt, ignoring the fact that even low-impact collisions can cause significant injuries, especially to the neck, back, or joints.
- Suggesting your pain is due to aging, prior injuries, or unrelated activities. Adjusters may try to comb through your medical history looking for any preexisting condition they can blame, even if your symptoms clearly worsened after the crash.
- Offering a quick, low settlement before the full extent of your injuries is known. This tactic pressures victims into accepting far less than they may need for ongoing treatment, especially if symptoms develop or intensify in the weeks following the collision.
- Misapplying general accident statistics to claim that most low-speed crashes cause only minor harm. They may cite broad, population-level data without considering the unique circumstances of your crash, such as your position in the vehicle, angle of impact, or your individual health profile.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Low-speed collisions present difficult legal challenges. To support your claim, medical experts can explain how the forces of the crash caused your injuries and accident reconstruction professionals may be called upon to counter allegations about minimal impact.
At NordstrandBlack PC, we have decades of experience representing people who have been injured in motor vehicle collisions, including accidents that insurance companies try to label as “minor.” We know there are cases where a rear-end accident whiplash injury can change your life just as dramatically as the effects of a high-speed crash.
Renée J. Nordstrand-Black is rated 10.0 Superb by Avvo, and she was awarded the AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell. Our attorneys prepare every case as if it will go to trial, gathering the evidence necessary to prove your claim and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Our firm’s approach is to build the strongest case possible through:
- Comprehensive medical documentation and expert analysis.
- Accident reconstruction tailored to low-speed impact physics.
- Economic loss calculations that include lost income, reduced earning capacity, and other losses in addition to medical expenses.
Steps to Take After a Rear-End Crash
After a low-speed rear-end collision, it’s important to take steps that protect both your health and your ability to pursue compensation. Even if the crash seemed minor, injuries like whiplash, back strain, or joint damage may not appear immediately.
Seek medical attention right away. A prompt evaluation creates a record of your injuries and helps identify issues before they worsen. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and attend all follow-up appointments.
Next, document the scene if it is safe to do so. Take photos of vehicle positions, vehicle damage, license plates, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Gather contact information from the other driver and any witnesses. If police respond, obtain a copy of the accident report once it’s available.
Notify your insurance company promptly, but do not make any recorded statements or sign any documents without consulting a car accident lawyer.
Keep detailed records of your symptoms, medical bills, missed work, and other accident-related costs. Contact a car accident lawyer who can assess your case, gather evidence, and handle negotiations with insurers. Having legal guidance early can help protect you from tactics aimed at minimizing your claim.
Speak With a Trusted Car Accident Lawyer in Santa Barbara
If you or someone you love suffered injuries in a low-speed rear-end accident in Santa Barbara, do not assume that a lack of vehicle damage means you have no case. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
Contact NordstrandBlack PC at (805) 962-2022 for a free consultation.
We will review your case, explain your rights, and help you pursue full and fair compensation.