There are no requirements when it comes to hiring an attorney for an accident that is only considered “minor.” However, you should really consider hiring one if you want to just be on the safe side and cover all your bases. Depending on the events leading up to the crash as well as the damage sustained to all vehicles, and any injuries, it may be wise to hire a car accident lawyer to help you sort everything out.
More Damage Than Suspected
If you are involved in a minor accident where another driver hits you, you may just assume that you will file a claim with your insurance company or the driver’s insurance company and proceed through the process. You may have your vehicle checked out for damage and then go on with your life.
However, this process is not always easy and doesn’t always go smoothly. Even though it may seem like it was just a minor car accident, it can result into a huge legal battle that you may not be prepared to fight on your own. This is especially true if you have endured any injuries that do not immediately present themselves after the accident.
Injuries you Sustained
Most car accidents result in more than 2.3 million people sent to the emergency room every year. However, following a minor car accident, you may still be experiencing an adrenaline rush and may not even know you are injured. This means that you don’t seek medical treatment right away.
After a minor car accident, you may have endured injuries that do not show up until days or even weeks later. These injuries you sustained can cause chronic pain from things that may require you to seek long-term treatment and possibly even rehab.
Injuries to Soft Tissues
An injury that is considered as a soft tissue injury can result in damage to your ligaments, tendons, and even muscles. Did you know that accidents that occur at a low-speed can even result in a lot of force? Drivers may hit their brakes resulting in the car to come to a quick stop that can cause whiplash. Whiplash is the violent jerk of the neck back and forth which can be caused by car accidents. There are certain symptoms that can linger for a few days following an accident including:
- Muscle spasms
- Headaches
- Neck stiffness and swelling
- Fatigue
- Memory loss
- Shoulder pain
- Numbness or tingling in the arms
Head Injuries
If the other driver is at fault for an accident, you may have hit your head on the steering wheel but really didn’t even notice. If this is what has occurred, you may have sustained a concussion. Concussions can be extreme even though symptoms may not appear immediately. Concussion symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, headache, ringing in the ear, and blurry vision.
Visit a Doctor Following an Accident
Concussions and soft tissue injuries are common injuries following even a car accident that is just considered as “minor.” Either can result in a stay in the hospital, imaging tests, trips to the doctor, rehab, and even prescription meds.
These expenses can add up pretty quickly. This is why it is important to seek medical treatment immediately following your car accident, even if you do not believe you were injured. If you settle right away with your insurance company and accept compensation, you may waive your legal rights to go after additional compensation for your injuries related to the accident.
