Many drivers in New Hampshire breathe a sigh of relief when they walk away from an accident with minor visible damage to their vehicle. However, just because a crash appears “minor” doesn’t mean the injuries are. Serious injuries can result from low-speed collisions, and they can lead to significant personal injury claims.
Our Portsmouth personal injury attorney at Elmore Law Office understands how quickly a seemingly minor crash can disrupt your life. Here’s why you should take even minor collisions seriously and how we can help if you’ve been injured.
Hidden Injuries After Low-Impact Crashes
Not all injuries are immediately apparent. In the aftermath of a crash, adrenaline can mask pain and symptoms. Many people don’t feel the full effects until hours—or even days—later.
Common injuries from minor crashes include:
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries: These are some of the most common injuries in rear-end collisions, even at speeds under 15 mph. They can cause persistent neck and back pain.
- Concussions and brain injuries: A sudden jolt to the head or neck can cause a traumatic brain injury, even without a direct blow or loss of consciousness.
- Spinal injuries: Herniated discs or spinal misalignments often develop from sudden, unnatural movements during a crash.
- Knee, shoulder, and wrist injuries: These can result from bracing for impact or slamming into the car’s interior during a crash.
Without proper medical attention, these injuries can worsen and lead to long-term pain, mobility issues, or even disability.
Why Minor Crashes Still Lead to Major Injury Claims
Insurance companies often downplay injuries in low-speed crashes, arguing that minimal vehicle damage means minimal harm. However, this assumption ignores medical reality and can lead to unfairly low settlement offers.
When pursuing a personal injury claim after a minor crash, your lawyer will work to:
- Document the full scope of your injuries and treatment.
- Link the injuries directly to the crash, even if symptoms were delayed.
- Demonstrate how the injuries impact your daily life, job, and well-being.
- Pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
It’s not about the size of the crash—it’s about the damage done to your body and your future.
Why Legal Help Matters in These Cases
Insurance companies are more likely to dispute or deny injury claims from low-impact crashes. Without legal support, you may face pressure to settle quickly for less than your injuries are worth.
At Elmore Law Office, we’ve helped clients throughout New Hampshire and Massachusetts recover fair compensation after car crashes of all sizes. Whether your collision happened on a busy highway like I-93 or a back road in Nashua or Dover, we can investigate the collision, work with medical experts, and advocate for the recovery you deserve.
Contact Elmore Law Office for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been hurt in what seemed like a “minor” car crash, don’t take chances with your health—or your rights. Contact Elmore Law Office at (603) 929-1117 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation today. We’re here to ensure you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to under New Hampshire or Massachusetts law.