Most people think that low-speed car accidents are no big deal. After all, how much damage can happen at 15 kilometers per hour? You exchange insurance information with the other driver. You check your car for any scratches or hits you might have taken. Then you drive away safely thinking you dodged a bullet.
In reality, low-impact collisions are actually more dangerous than you think. Just because your car looks fine doesn’t mean you are too.
The difference between low-speed and high-speed crashes
High-speed accidents involve significantly more energy due to higher speeds. Upon collision, they release greater forces resulting in crushed vehicles and life-threatening injuries.
However, accidents that cause the most problems for daily commuters like you are not always the one that looks the worst. Low-speed crashes typically occurring under 15 kilometers per hour result in lighter visible damages.
But hidden injuries can develop inside your body. Although low-impact crashes feel more like a gentle push than an actual wreck, your body still experiences abnormal stress and force. Understanding what injuries commonly result from these minor accidents can help you seek treatment before they worsen.
Common injuries in a low-collision crash
While your car is built to withstand low-impact hits, your body is not. What makes low-speed crash injuries dangerous is that most of them don’t show symptoms right away. Here are some of the most common injuries from low-speed collisions:
- Spinal injuries: Rear-impacts from tail-gaiting or sudden break stops can compress your spine and lead to other back injuries.
- Soft tissue injuries: Pain in your wrists, ankles and muscles might not feel severe at first but they can usually last for weeks.
- Head injuries: Whiplash, concussions or head collisions to the steering wheel or dashboard can cause serious damage to your brain and may lead to more serious complications in the future.
The real danger in low-speed crashes is not in the immediate hit. Rather, it’s the gap between what happened to your body after the crash and how soon you receive treatment.
What should you do after a crash?
Many people make critical mistakes after low-impact collisions because they underestimate the situation. The actions you take immediately after the accident can make or break your legal rights and physical health.
If you’ve been involved in a low-speed crash, don’t minimize it. Contact the police and emergency first responders no matter how minor the accident might seem. Having a legal counsel around is also a good idea to keep your interests protected while you focus on recovery.