Our David W. Martin Accident & Injury Lawyers in South Carolina know that getting in a car accident — even a seemingly minor one — can have significant consequences. In some cases, injuries from a minor accident may not be immediately apparent. Do not assume you are okay. It is essential to seek medical care after any crash to ensure your well-being is the priority.
Just as accident victims should never assume they are okay, they should also never assume the liable driver will willfully take responsibility for the crash — even a minor one.
Hiring an attorney promptly after a minor car accident can help protect your rights.
Here, we discuss why that is important.
Why Hiring an Attorney Promptly After a Minor Car Accident in South Carolina is Important
Minor car accidents can sometimes result in severe injuries that can lead to mounting medical bills that you should not have to pay for out of pocket when another driver is liable for the crash.
Common injuries associated with minor car accidents include:
- Whiplash
Whiplash is a soft tissue injury that often occurs in rear-end collisions. It can cause neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and other symptoms. While it may not be immediately noticeable, symptoms can develop hours or days after the accident.
- Concussions
Even in minor accidents, the impact force can cause the brain to jolt within the skull, resulting in a concussion. Symptoms may include headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and sensitivity to light or noise.
- Muscle and Ligament Injuries
Strains and sprains to muscles and ligaments, especially in the neck and back, can occur due to a sudden collision’s impact. These injuries may not be immediately apparent but can cause pain and stiffness later.
- Internal Injuries
Internal injuries, like bruised organs or internal bleeding, may not present symptoms right away.
- Herniated Discs
The impact of a car accident can cause the discs between the vertebrae to rupture or herniate. This may lead to back pain, numbness, or tingling; the symptoms might not manifest immediately.
- Joint Injuries
A car accident can affect joints, including knees, shoulders, or hips. Inflammation and pain in these areas may not be immediately noticeable but can develop over time.
- TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Disorders
The impact of a car accident can affect the jaw joint, leading to TMJ disorders. Symptoms may include jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and headaches.
- Soft Tissue Injuries
Damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments can occur even in minor accidents. Soft tissue injuries may result in pain, swelling, and limited range of motion.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Emotional trauma can result from even minor accidents, leading to symptoms of PTSD, including anxiety, nightmares, and flashbacks.
How Can an Experienced South Carolina Car Accident & Injury Attorney Can Help with My Claim?
Determining fault in minor accidents can be challenging. If the other party disputes liability or blames you, our attorney can help gather and preserve evidence, including photographs, witness statements, and accident reports, which can be crucial to establish fault.
Even with the necessary evidence, the at-fault driver’s insurance company may try to minimize your payout, even for a minor accident. Our attorney can help you navigate the claims process and ensure you receive fair compensation for damages to maximize your settlement and ensure you are not taken advantage of during the negotiation process.
Dealing with the aftermath of even a minor accident can be stressful. Having our dedicated South Carolina car accident attorney handle the legal aspects lets you focus on your recovery and well-being.
Contact Our Skilled South Carolina Car Accident Attorneys For Help
If you have been injured in a vehicle collision caused by negligence in South Carolina, contact our David W. Martin Accident & Injury Lawyers today by calling (803-258-6199 to learn more about your legal rights and options to hold the negligent party liable for your complete recovery needs.
We provide free consultations for all personal injury cases in South Carolina and never charge any legal fees unless we deliver a positive outcome for your unique case.