With narrow roads, countless intersections and a metro population that’s grown to more than 6 million, it’s no surprise that Atlanta’s traffic can be tough. A 20-minute ride on a Sunday morning might take an hour or more on a weeknight.
But while congestion slows down drivers’ speeds, accidents still happen. Many are fender benders: low-speed crashes that usually result in only minor auto damage. Sometimes drivers try to shake off such accidents, assuming that if their vehicles are OK, they should be, too.
But fender benders can still cause serious injuries—ones that require medical treatment, physical therapy or even surgery. What should you do after a fender bender, and is it possible to receive compensation for injuries when the crash itself didn’t result in major auto damage?
What to do after a fender bender
After any car crash, you should call 911, exchange information with the other driver and ensure that the police create an accident report. All too often, people check out their cars after a crash but fail to check their own wellbeing. Sometimes, drivers may even agree not to call the police because their vehicles are undamaged. Always call 911 and, if you’re hurt or experience any pain, seek medical attention.
The rush of adrenaline often covers up the initial pain of an injury. It’s only later, maybe even a few days later, that the pain becomes worrying or unmanageable. Don’t try to push through a car crash injury. From a medical perspective, it can delay your diagnosis and care. From a claims perspective, it creates the opportunity for insurance adjusters to question your story, asking what else may have happened between the wreck and your diagnosis.
Even if you go to the emergency room after a crash, it’s smart to schedule a follow-up with a specialist if your pain persists. You may need more advanced imaging to correctly diagnose your problem, especially if you’re suffering from a soft tissue injury or herniated disc.
Common fender bender injuries can be serious
Some of the most common injuries for fender bender accidents include contusions, cuts, disc protrusions, head injuries, headaches or migraines, herniated discs, lower back pain, neck injuries, nerve damage, post-concussion syndrome, scrapes, shoulder injuries, sprains, strains, TMJ disorder, traumatic brain injuries and whiplash.
Whiplash is often considered a personal injury cliché, but soft tissue injuries are painful, can take weeks or months to heal and may require extensive physical therapy. Insurance companies try to play on negative perceptions of whiplash, especially when the car body damage isn’t serious. They may offer unfair settlements or even call your injury into question. A car crash lawyer can help you get compensation that actually pays for your treatment.
Should I get a lawyer for a minor car accident?
Don’t let anyone misguide you into walking away from the compensation you deserve. An experienced Atlanta car crash attorney will help you file a claim, even for accidents that happen at low speeds and involve little damage to your car.
Atlanta Car Accident Lawyers
If you’ve been hurt in a fender bender, you need a car accident attorney who understands the challenges of low-speed crash injuries. If you need help, contact the personal injury attorneys at Litner + Deganian for a free consultation.
