Many people are aware that speeding is a violation that warrants citations and can lead to serious car accidents. However, most believe that low-speed collisions are minor and harmless. In fact, these crashes can involve severe injuries and complications.

Accidents with speeds as low as – 10 mph can cause lasting effects from back injuries, whiplash, concussions, and on. Las Vegas, in particular, with slow-moving, congested streets, sees plenty of low-speed accidents. Read here to find out if you can get a ticket for driving too slowly.

If you’re injured in an accident of this nature, it’s important to seek legal representation from a Las Vegas accident attorney. These experts will make sure you understand your rights and secure settlement for damages. 

Understanding Low Speed Car Accidents

An accident in which the car is moving at low speeds is one where the cars involved are traveling under roughly 15 mph. While you may believe this would mean no one would sustain major damages, the injuries in these crashes can actually be severe. 

These types of accidents often occur in crowded parking lots, congested intersections, or areas where traffic is at a stop-and-go pace like the Strip in Vegas. These motorists are not fully prepared for unexpected stops or a sudden impact that results in head, back, or neck injuries.

Injured parties seek the assistance of accident attorneys because many times they don’t realize the severity of the incident until days or weeks after. 

Understanding the concept of a low-speed accident and its repercussions is essential for individuals involved in these incidents. Visit – Is Driving Too Slowly Dangerous? | Farm Bureau Financial Services – to learn if driving too slowly is dangerous.

Common Injuries from Low-Speed Car Crashes

Despite the speed, these collisions can be unexpectedly severe. One of the most common injuries associated with the accidents is whiplash in which the neck is jerked forward and then backward, pulling the muscles and ligaments. 

Whiplash can cause neck pain, headaches, and possibly limited mobility, lasting sometimes for a few months. Also common are soft tissue injuries, especially in the low back, shoulders, or the neck. Concussions and head injuries are possible when the head is suddenly thrust forward into the steering wheel or dashboard.

Spinal misalignment or slipped discs are prevalent and can require long-term therapy treatments. Many of these injuries take some time to reveal themselves and can, therefore, be challenging to prove. 

It takes a skilled attorney with a focused specialty like those with Friedman Injury Law to help collect concrete medical evidence to ensure the injured parties are properly compensated.

The Unexpected Dangers of Low-Speed Car Accidents

There can be hidden dangers that many motorists don’t realize at first with low-speed accidents. One of the primary concerns is the delayed onset of symptoms. Injuries including soft tissue damage won’t show up immediately following the crash. 

In fact, the injured individual may feel fine at the scene only to experience stiffness and pain down the road. Seeing a medical provider immediately is essential regardless of how minor you may believe the accident might have been.  

Insurance carriers can also typically minimize the damage or injuries related to the incident. They often argue that because the cars were moving slowly, the damage must be minimal, leading to unreasonable settlements. A top-notch attorney will help negotiate for the compensation you deserve.

The Most At-Risk Groups in Low-Speed Accidents

Certain people are at a higher risk for severe injuries in these accidents. Elderly motorists and passengers are especially vulnerable to things like sprains and fractures because muscles and bones naturally weaken with age. 

Similarly, kids in their car seats are at a higher risk since they may not be adequately protected from the unexpected impact these crashes are known for.

The Insurance Challenges Following a Low-Speed Accident

The insurance aspect of a low-speed crash can be complex. Many people have the thought process that these are minor crashes and that the insurance claim process should be relatively simple and straightforward. In fact, that’s not the case. 

It can be difficult to prove injuries following these incidents as they are not immediately apparent. Whiplash is something that may not show symptoms for days following the incident. 

This leads the insurance company to downplay the injury and offer a fast settlement without fully understanding the extent of the damage. Nevada follows a modified comparative negligence law. 

If you have partial fault for the incident, your compensation can be reduced. The right accident attorney will negotiate until the settlement is appropriate.

Final Thought

If you’ve been injured in a low-speed crash, an accident attorney can help protect your rights and guide you through the insurance and legal processes. Many legal firms offer free consultations to assess the case and determine the best course of action.

These professionals proceed to build a solid case and will fight for you in the courtroom if a settlement is unattainable with the insurance carriers. They aim for the best possible compensation.