When people think of car crashes, they often picture high-speed collisions on South Carolina highways. But many serious injuries happen in low-speed crashes – those occurring under 10 or 15 miles per hour. Unfortunately, insurance companies and even some drivers may downplay the effects of these crashes by calling them “just fender benders” or assuming the victim only suffered “whiplash.”
At David W. Martin Accident & Injury Lawyers, we know how misleading those assumptions can be – and how important it is to take every injury seriously, no matter the speed.
Low-Speed Doesn’t Mean Low Impact
Even at low speeds, your body experiences a sudden jolt during a crash. Vehicles are designed to absorb some force, but your body is not. That jolt can cause the soft tissues in your neck and back to stretch or tear, which is why whiplash is so common.
But low-speed crashes can also cause:
- Herniated or bulging discs.
- Concussions and mild traumatic brain injuries.
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) injuries.
- Shoulder, wrist, and knee sprains from bracing for impact.
- Psychological trauma, such as anxiety or PTSD.
These injuries may not show symptoms immediately, but they can linger for weeks, months, or longer, and they may seriously affect your ability to work, drive, or enjoy daily life.
Why Insurance Companies Try to Minimize Low-Speed Claims
Insurance adjusters often use the term “low-impact collision” to argue that injuries could not be serious.
They may:
- Dispute medical treatment as unnecessary.
- Deny lost wages claims.
- Pressure you to settle quickly for a low amount.
In South Carolina, the law does not require a certain speed or amount of damage for a personal injury claim to be valid. You are entitled to compensation if someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, even if your car does not look badly damaged.
What You Need to Do After a Low-Speed Crash
To protect your health and your right to fair compensation, it is critical to take these steps:
- Document everything – photos of the scene, vehicle damage, visible injuries, and contact information for witnesses.
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel “okay.”
- Avoid making statements to the other driver’s insurance company until you have spoken with a lawyer.
- Keep a record of your symptoms, missed workdays, and out-of-pocket expenses.
The more evidence you have showing that your injuries are real and impacting your life, the stronger your claim will be.
How Our South Carolina Injury Lawyers Can Help
At David W. Martin Accident & Injury Lawyers, we have helped many clients who were seriously hurt in crashes that others tried to dismiss as “minor.” We know how to gather medical evidence, challenge biased insurance assessments, and fight for full compensation. Low-speed crashes can significantly impact your life, and we are here to ensure your case is taken seriously.
If you were injured in a low-speed crash in South Carolina, contact us at (803) 302-3989 for a free consultation. Let us ensure your voice is heard – and your injuries are not ignored.