Car Accident Claims With Minor Injuries

Many people write off car accidents with minor injuries as inconveniences rather than a major event in their lives. After all, it could have been much worse.

This viewpoint, however, can have serious consequences for your health and legal rights. Even a fender-bender can result in a pain in the neck, literally and figuratively.

If you are involved in a car accident and experience minor injuries, contacting a car accident attorney to file a car accident injury claim locally may be the smartest move you make. Even an accident that seems inconsequential can result in long-lasting injuries and significantly impact your well-being.

More About Accidents With Minor Injuries

Phoenix accounts for about 45% of all accidents in Arizona, according to a recent report by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). Most of these accidents do not result in severe injuries or death, but minor injuries are still a major concern. 

In fact, ADOT strongly encourages getting medical attention after any collision. Injuries that might be considered minor include bruises, small cuts, sprains, headaches, and whiplash. 

Your attorney will also include property damage in your claim. Even minor scratches or dents on the outside of a car don’t necessarily mean there isn’t major damage on the underside of the car or mechanical systems that would make it unsafe to drive.

The problem is that the true effect of minor injuries and property damage may not be immediately evident. It can take days or weeks for the full extent of an injury to be known. A bruise could indicate internal bleeding, a headache may be a symptom of a concussion or other serious brain injury, and a sore back or neck may mean you have a spinal injury. Slow oil or brake fluid leaks from damaged lines can also take a while to notice.

Steps to Take After Any Accident

Even if an accident seems minor, it is essential to protect your health, safety, and right to make a claim for compensation in the future. First and foremost, do not leave the scene of an accident. In Arizona, the law requires you to stop. Move to a safe place, if possible, and call the police. Check yourself and others for visible injuries.

While at the scene, exchange contact information and insurance details with other drivers. Take photos of the scene, property damage, license plates, and any other details that seem important. Collect statements from witnesses. Call your insurance company and a personal injury attorney as soon as you can.

The Importance of Professional Help

Anyone involved in an accident needs to be evaluated by a licensed medical professional to understand the true extent of any injuries and ensure that a seemingly minor injury isn’t a sign of something worse. Symptoms sometimes don’t surface for days or weeks. A mechanic also needs to take a close look to evaluate the damage to your car.

Collect all the documentation you can and contact an experienced attorney from Gage Mathers. We will help you determine the value of your case and explain how pain and suffering are evaluated!

About the Author

Joseph D'Aguanno

Guided by the belief that being a highly skilled specialist in a narrow field is better than being ordinary in everything, Joseph “JD” D’Aguanno leads Arizona’s best personal injury law firm in Phoenix, AZ. Having extensive cross-training in pre-litigation negotiations and trial lawyer skills, with decades of experience, JD strives to provide clients with the most valuable legal services a personal injury lawyer can provide. Under his direction, Gage Mathers Law Group is an award-winning personal injury law firm providing aggressive representation to victims of a car accident, medical malpractice, dog bite, motorcycle accident, and other injurious events. Gage Mathers is trusted by thousands of lawyers and clients throughout the country because of their reputation for getting clients the maximum compensation they deserve.

Years of experience: Over 24 years
Bar number: 020421
Location: Phoenix, AZ
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