What Are Low-Impact Car Accidents?
When you think of a car accident, it might involve a violent, high-speed collision. However, many car accidents occur at lower speeds and may be considered low-impact. However, the term “low impact” refers to the impact the vehicle makes to another vehicle weighing thousands of pounds and made of metal. It does not refer to the impact the crash has on the innocent victim.
Contact a car accident attorney in Boulder today to speak with a professional who will fight for you.
What Is a Low-Impact Car Accident?
A low-impact car collision is typically considered this when the vehicle impacting the other is traveling at 15 mph or less. Low-impact collisions can be front-end, rear-end, or sideswipe collisions. These collisions may involve multiple vehicles, a vehicle and an object, or a vehicle and a pedestrian or cyclist.
Common Injuries Associated with Low-Impact Car Accidents
Just because a motor vehicle accident involves lower speeds does not mean that the occupants are not injured. Minimal damage may appear on a vehicle weighing thousands of pounds while still causing serious injuries to vehicle occupants. Steel is much stronger than the fragile skin and bones that comprise the human body. Studies have shown that passengers can sustain long-term injuries when the crash involves a vehicle traveling as low as 7 mph.
Airbags may or may not deploy at lower speeds. Many vehicles are equipped with airbags that deploy only at speeds of 16 mph or more. This could cause someone to suffer injuries that they may otherwise not have suffered at higher speeds with the deployment of the airbags. Alternatively, airbags could deploy at lower speeds, potentially causing more severe injuries due to the violent force of the bag deployment.
Some of the most common injuries accident victims may sustain in low-impact crashes include:
- Whiplash
- Neck and back injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
Seek medical attention after a car accident, even if you think the injuries are minor. A prompt medical diagnosis can ensure that your medical condition is correctly identified and tied to your injuries. Contact a brain injury lawyer in Boulder today to pursue compensation.
Common Causes of Low-Impact Car Crashes
Some of the most common causes of low-impact car crashes include the following:
- Speeding
- Following too closely
- Distractions
- Aggressive driving
- Impaired driving
- Lack of visibility
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
Low-impact car accidents often occur in high-traffic situations. Someone may not be paying attention, run into the vehicle in front of them, and cause a chain reaction.
An experienced car accident lawyer from our personal injury firm can review your case, gather evidence of fault, and negotiate for fair compensation on your behalf.
Contact Our Experienced Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Even if an accident is considered “low-impact,” it can cause significant harm to you. You may suffer from serious injuries, be away from work for extended periods, and deal with physical pain and suffering due to the injuries you sustained in a low-impact collision. If you want assistance in seeking fair compensation for your injuries, contact Daniels & Scriven, P.C. for a free case review.
Call or text today at (720) 863-6006.