Can You Receive a Low Impact Car Accident Settlement in Florida?
A low impact car accident—where the collision occurs at slow speeds or results in minimal vehicle damage—can still lead to significant injuries. While insurance companies often downplay the severity of these accidents, victims may suffer from conditions like whiplash, soft tissue damage, or chronic pain, all of which can affect their quality of life and ability to work. Understanding how to pursue compensation in a low impact car accident settlement is crucial for recovering fair compensation.
At Rosen Injury, we’ve helped numerous clients in Florida recover substantial settlements for injuries sustained in low impact car accidents. With Eric Rosen, a Board Certified civil trial attorney and seasoned litigator, leading our team, we fight to ensure that insurance companies treat low impact cases seriously, regardless of how minor the damage may seem.
What Is a Low Impact Car Accident?
A low impact car accident generally involves slow-moving vehicles and causes little visible damage to the vehicles involved. These accidents are typically referred to as “fender benders” and are common in parking lots, intersections, or during stop-and-go traffic. Although these accidents appear minor, the physical toll on the body can still be considerable.
In many low impact accidents, the energy transfer between vehicles can cause injuries to the neck, back, and shoulders, particularly if the occupants were unprepared for the impact. Common injuries from low impact accidents include:
- Whiplash: A neck injury caused by the rapid back-and-forth movement of the head, which can lead to pain, stiffness, and headaches.
- Soft Tissue Damage: Damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons, often resulting in pain and restricted mobility.
- Concussions: Even in low impact crashes, a sudden jolt can cause a mild traumatic brain injury.
- Chronic Pain: Lingering pain that can develop over time, even if the initial injury seemed minor.
Can You Get a Settlement for a Low Impact Car Accident?
Yes, you can absolutely receive a settlement for injuries sustained in a low impact car accident. The value of your settlement will depend on several factors, including the extent of your injuries, medical treatment, and how the accident has impacted your ability to work and perform daily activities.
Many victims of low impact accidents face resistance from insurance companies, which often argue that low-speed collisions cannot cause serious injuries. This is where experienced legal representation becomes vital.
Factors That Affect Low Impact Car Accident Settlements
Several factors can influence the value of a settlement in a low impact car accident case, including:
- Severity of Injuries
Even if the accident itself was minor, the injuries you sustained could still be significant. Whiplash, soft tissue injuries, or concussions can require extensive medical treatment, physical therapy, or ongoing care, all of which impact your settlement amount. - Medical Expenses
Your settlement will reflect the cost of your medical treatment, including doctor’s visits, diagnostic tests (like X-rays or MRIs), medications, and rehabilitation services. If you require future treatment, this will also factor into the settlement. - Impact on Daily Life
The degree to which your injuries limit your ability to engage in daily activities, perform work duties, or enjoy hobbies will affect the value of your settlement. Chronic pain or long-term limitations will result in a higher settlement. - Lost Income
If your injury causes you to miss work, either temporarily or permanently, your settlement will include compensation for lost wages and reduced earning capacity. In cases where the injury has a lasting impact on your ability to work, you may also be entitled to future lost wages. - Pain and Suffering
Compensation for pain and suffering accounts for the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident. While this can be more difficult to quantify, it often makes up a significant portion of the settlement in low impact cases where the injury is not life-threatening but causes ongoing pain or discomfort.
| Factor | Impact on Settlement |
|---|---|
| Severity of Injuries | More severe injuries lead to higher compensation. |
| Medical Expenses | Includes current and future medical treatment. |
| Impact on Daily Life | If the injury limits activities, compensation increases. |
| Lost Income | Compensation includes wages lost due to missed work and future earning capacity. |
| Pain and Suffering | The emotional and physical pain caused by the injury is factored into the settlement. |
Why Insurance Companies Minimize Low Impact Car Accident Claims
Insurance companies often try to minimize the value of low impact car accident claims by arguing that the lack of vehicle damage means that injuries could not have been severe. They may offer a quick, lowball settlement, hoping that you’ll accept it before understanding the full extent of your injuries.
However, it is well-documented that low-speed collisions can still result in serious injuries, especially soft tissue injuries that are not immediately apparent. Insurance companies are also aware of this, but their goal is to protect their bottom line, not to compensate you fairly.
That’s why working with a skilled personal injury attorney is essential. Eric and the team at Rosen Injury know how to combat these tactics and ensure that you are treated fairly by the insurance company. We will gather medical records, expert testimony, and accident reconstruction data to demonstrate the true impact of your injuries.
Steps to Take After a Low Impact Car Accident in Florida
If you’ve been involved in a low impact car accident, taking the right steps can protect your ability to pursue compensation:
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if your injuries seem minor at first, it’s important to see a doctor. Some injuries, like whiplash, may not show symptoms right away but can worsen over time. - Document Everything
Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries. Keep detailed records of your medical treatments and any communication with insurance companies. - Don’t Settle Too Quickly
Insurance companies may offer a quick settlement, but it’s important to wait until you fully understand the extent of your injuries before accepting any offers. - Consult a Personal Injury Attorney
Working with an experienced attorney can make all the difference in securing a fair settlement. At Rosen Injury, we will review your case, gather evidence, and negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Low Impact Car Accident Settlements
Can I still get a settlement if there’s little damage to my vehicle?
Yes, even if the damage to your vehicle is minor, you can still receive compensation if you’ve been injured in the accident. Vehicle damage is not always indicative of the severity of injuries.
How much can I expect to receive from a low impact car accident settlement?
Settlement amounts vary depending on the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. While each case is different, you may be entitled to thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars in compensation.
What if I didn’t feel pain immediately after the accident?
It’s common for injuries like whiplash or soft tissue damage to have delayed symptoms. That’s why it’s critical to seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t feel pain right away.
Do I need an attorney for a low impact car accident claim?
Yes, hiring an attorney increases your chances of receiving a fair settlement. Insurance companies often try to minimize low impact claims, and an experienced lawyer can help you gather evidence and negotiate a better outcome.
Contact Rosen Injury for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been involved in a low impact car accident in Florida, you may still be entitled to compensation for your injuries. At Rosen Injury, led by Eric Rosen, a Board Certified civil trial specialist, we are dedicated to helping accident victims secure fair settlements, regardless of the severity of the crash.
Contact us today for a free no-obligation consultation to discuss your case. Call us at (954) 787-1500 or fill out our online contact form to get started. Don’t let the insurance companies downplay your injuries—let us fight for the compensation you deserve.
