Can Low-Speed Car Accidents Lead to Serious Injuries?

When we think about car accidents, we usually picture a rough and sudden clash of metal, something jarring and so fast we barely have time to process it before it’s over. We think of vehicles piled up on the side of the highway, backing up traffic for miles. And, as such, we associate that speed with the multitude of injuries and tragedy accidents can cause.

This isn’t wrong, per se, but the result is a widespread misconception that only high-speed collisions can be dangerous, and this couldn’t be further from the truth. Here in Tulsa, the car accident attorneys at Biby Law Firm know exactly how serious these collisions can be, and what you should do to protect your rights after you’ve suffered through one.

Why are low-speed car accidents dangerous?

A low-speed car accident is typically defined as any collision that occurs under about 15mph. While the damage to either vehicle may be minimal, the same can’t be said for the occupants within them. Just like with any other accident, there are a multitude of injuries one could sustain, even if it may not put your life in the same amount of danger (assuming you’re wearing a seatbelt):

• Whiplash, otherwise known as a neck sprain. It occurs when the head is suddenly snapped either forward for back, and while some may consider this minor, it can lead to lasting nerve damage and other health issues down the line.
• Traumatic brain injuries, such as concussions, skull fractures, and bleeding of the brain, can alter every aspect of your physical and mental health and require years of expensive therapies and treatments.
• Soft tissue injuries, including sprains and tears of muscles and ligaments. This is another trauma that can take years and years of professional care to achieve full recovery.

The reason why such minor-looking accidents can have such major ramifications is a relatively simple mix of physics and biology. Vehicles are meant to withstand collisions up to a certain speed — the human body, however, is not. Because of that, medical professionals can compare the speed of the collision to a fall from a vertical height to explain the damage to a victim, and it absolutely clarifies the circumstances. For example, a collision at just 15mph is comparable to falling off a ladder at 7 and a half feet. This startling realization is why low-speed collisions should be taken just as seriously as their more common compatriots, and why your legal representation should understand this before they get anywhere near your case.

The steps to take after a car accident

Don’t let anyone convince you that your accident isn’t serious enough for compensation. If you are injured by the actions of another, you deserve to have your damages covered so you can focus on yourself and your recovery. An accident can be an incredibly stressful and traumatic event, and it can be hard to know exactly how to handle it.

Alongside exchanging contact and insurance information and contacting the authorities, these are the best steps to follow:

• Before anything else, if you or any of your passengers are injured, get medical attention. Your health and safety is paramount.
• Cooperate with authorities but don’t talk about how the accident occurred until you have legal representation.
• If you are physically able – or with someone who is – take pictures of everything. The damages of your vehicle and your injuries should be documented at their worst.
• Finally, seek out legal representation you can trust to help you with your case. The faster you do this, the better. Insurance companies can and will try to take advantage of you to avoid paying you damages you are owed, and at-fault drivers will have their own representation to help keep you down. Protect yourself and your rights as soon as you are able to do so.

We can be that trusted representation for you, and we have years of experience doing it for others. Here at Biby Law Firm, our Tulsa car accident attorneys can guide you through every step of the process, even if your claim is unjustly denied. We will take your case seriously no matter the circumstances, and we will always treat you with the honesty, compassion, and dignity you deserve. To learn more about how we can fight for you, call us today at 918-574-8458 or fill out our contact form. Let’s work for you — together.