What If I Was Hurt In A Low-Speed Collision?

Low-speed collisions are typically defined as occurring at speeds under 10 to 15 mph, and while many assume that car accident injuries are related to high-speed crashes, this isn’t always the case. Accidents at low speeds can still lead to significant physical harm. If you were injured in a Florida collision at any speed, you may face challenges in obtaining compensation, but an experienced Orlando personal injury attorney can help.

Where Low-Speed Accidents Happen

Low-speed collisions commonly occur in areas where vehicles are slowing down, stopping, or maneuvering in tight spaces. Some common locations include:

• Parking lots. Vehicles backing out of spaces or moving through crowded lots create unique crashes risks. There are some Orlando lots that are particularly prone to fender benders or pedestrian accidents.
• Residential streets. Drivers pulling out of driveways or making slow turns in neighborhoods may not see other vehicles or pedestrians. Plus, often people are less diligent about road rules in neighborhoods they feel particularly comfortable in.
• Traffic congestion. Stop-and-go traffic on busy roads can lead to crashes at low speeds. Rear end crashes often happen when cars are starting and stopping repeatedly.
• Drive-through Restaurants, banks, and pharmacies with drive-thru lanes often see slow-moving collisions due to close vehicle proximity.
• School zones. Reduced speed limits and frequent stops increase the likelihood of minor-impact accidents.

While low-speed crashes may not cause as much vehicle damage as high-speed wrecks, they can still lead to painful and lasting injuries. For example, even at slow speeds the sudden jolt from a rear-end collision can strain neck muscles and ligaments, injuries that are commonly referred to as whiplash. Knee and ankle injuries have been sustained in low-impact collisions too, as the impact of a crash can force a driver’s legs into the dashboard, leading to bruising, ligament damage, or fractures.

Challenges in Seeking Compensation

Insurance companies may try to minimize low-speed accident claims by arguing that the impact wasn’t forceful enough to cause serious harm. Disputes over injury severity and arguments about pre-existing conditions could lead to disputes.

For instance, insurers may claim that soft tissue injuries or whiplash are minor and don’t warrant compensation. Or if you have a history of back or neck pain, the insurance company may argue that your injury wasn’t caused by the crash. If the cars involved show little visible damage, insurers may use this as an excuse to downplay injury claims.

Working with an Orlando personal injury attorney can improve your chances of securing fair compensation. A skilled Orlando is familiar with evidence collection and works with experts to demonstrate how even minor-impact collisions can lead to significant harm.

Are you surprised at the amount of pain and expense you are coping with following a low-speed crash? You deserve compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and distress, no matter if you were involved in a collision with slow moving vehicles or speeding cars. If you’ve been injured in a low-speed accident, talk to the talented attorneys at Israoui Law. To access the personal attention you deserve, call 407-381-4529.  Always speak to an experienced accident attorney before speaking to any insurance company.