Florida Fender-Benders
Fender benders are considered minor collisions between two motor vehicles. But what exactly constitutes a minor accident is highly debatable, especially when it comes to the damages resulting from a fender bender. Normally, accidents at low speeds, such as rear-end crashes, bumping into another car at a parking lot, or getting dinged by a distracted driver, could be considered fender benders. Inclement weather conditions, poor vehicle maintenance, and inclement weather conditions can also contribute to or cause fender benders.
One of the most common fender benders are rear-end crashes. Based on the most recent data from the NHTSA, 1,457,155 rear-end crashes occurred in the U.S. These resulted in 417,062 injuries, 1,037,665 with property damage, and 2,428 deaths.
While these fender-benders are the most common types of car crashes, they can also be extremely dangerous, even deadly.
Can a Fender Bender Crash Cause Injury?
In most cases, drivers who have been in fender benders do not contact their insurance providers or the police because they think that they have not been injured or because the crash only resulted in minor vehicle damage. But this is an extremely risky presumption. While some fender bender crashes do not cause visible injuries, others can result in injuries hidden or delayed that can significantly impact your health.
For instance, whiplash, if not diagnosed promptly and left untreated, can cause you to suffer from significant discomfort and pain and lead to more serious issues later on. Some whiplash injuries can even take several months or years to resolve. Aside from whiplash, you can likewise sustain the following injuries depending on the site and speed of the impact force and the size of the car that hit you:
- Broken bones
- Facial contusions
- Lacerations
- Internal injuries
- Head and brain injuries
- Nerve damage
- Spinal cord injuries
Injured victims of fender bender crashes can face costly medical bills for treatment and ongoing therapy. Depending on the injury’s severity and nature, it can also cause you to miss work or limit your job opportunities, which could take a toll on your financial health.
What Are Hidden Damages?
Aside from hidden or delayed injuries, fender benders can also result in hidden damages on top of cosmetic and visible damage, such as scratches and dents. Hidden damages refer to damage to your vehicle’s electrical system, mechanics, or frame, which may not be immediately visible after a fender bender. Think of the frame of your car as its skeleton. If the frame gets damaged, it can lead to a host of problems, including, but not limited to:
- Alignment problems
- Suspension issues
- Hood, door, and trunk damage
- Electrical system damage
- Mechanical damage
Talk to a Skilled Florida Car Accident Attorney Now
Whether you were hurt in a fender bender or another type of car crash in Florida, the Florida car accident attorneys at Tragos, Sartes & Sartes can provide you with sound legal guidance. To learn more about your case in a free case review with our Florida car accident attorney, call our office at 727-441-9030 or send us an online message.