When Hurt In A Houston Car Accident, Even Minor Collisions Can Cause Serious Injuries
Call The Adley Law Firm Today: Your Next Step After a Fender Bender
Even though a low speed car accident or “fender bender” may look minor, you can still suffer serious injuries and stress. The human body is not built to absorb the sudden jolt of a crash, even at slow speeds. Neck and back injuries, soft tissue damage, and concussions can occur after a seemingly minor collision. If you’ve been hurt in a low speed crash, it’s important to take steps now to protect your health and your rights. Contact Adley Law Firm today for a free consultation to discuss your case and next steps.
Why Even Low Speed Crashes Hurt
Low speed accidents often happen at stop lights, parking lots, or in bumper to bumper traffic. Even at speeds of only 5 to 10 mph, the force of impact can strain or injure muscles and ligaments. Those “minor” crashes can cause whiplash, back strain, headaches, and other injuries that sometimes appear hours or even days after the wreck. Early medical attention is important to catch these hidden injuries while they are still mild and treatable.
Factors like the angle of the collision, the size of the vehicle, and whether you were braced or wearing a seat belt all influence injury severity. For example, seat belts can save lives but may cause bruising or chest strain in a jolt. Airbags deploy with force and can cause abrasions or sprains in even a slow-speed crash. Regardless of the visible damage to the car, any pain or unusual symptom after an accident should be checked by a medical professional.
Common Causes of Fender Benders
Low speed accidents often occur in routine driving situations. Common causes include:
- Following too closely (for example, rear-ending another car at a stoplight or in slow traffic)
- Driving while distracted (texting, talking on the phone, eating, or other activities)
- Running a stop sign or red light in busy intersections
- Backing out of a driveway or parking space without seeing another vehicle
- Sudden lane changes or braking in congested areas
Even simple mistakes or momentary lapses in attention can lead to a crash in busy Houston traffic or crowded parking lots. If someone else caused your fender bender through negligent driving, you may have a right to compensation for your injuries.
Common Injuries from Fender Benders
- Whiplash (neck strains and sprains from a rear-end jolt)
- Back and spine injuries, such as herniated or bulging discs
- Soft tissue injuries (muscle strains, sprains and tendon tears)
- Concussions or other head injuries (even without a direct blow to the head)
- Shoulder, knee, and wrist injuries (from bracing for impact or airbag deployment)
These injuries can disrupt your daily life, making it hard to work, care for loved ones, or enjoy routine activities. You may need physical therapy, medication, or other treatments to heal. When evaluating your case, we consider all these medical needs and how your injury affects your ability to earn a living and enjoy life.
What to Do After a Low-Speed Accident
Taking the right steps immediately after a fender bender can protect your health and preserve evidence for your claim:
- Ensure safety and get medical care: If anyone is injured, call 911 or seek medical attention right away. Even if injuries seem minor, symptoms can worsen without treatment. Follow your doctor’s advice and keep records of all visits, treatments, and prescriptions.
- Report the crash: In Texas, you must report any accident that involves injury or more than about $1,000 in damage. If the police respond, cooperate with the officer but stick to facts. If police do not come, make sure to exchange names, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information with the other driver.
- Document everything: Take photos or videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries (even bruises or scrapes). Write down what happened while it’s fresh in your memory. Note the time, exact location (for example, Houston intersection or business name), weather conditions, and traffic controls. If there were any witnesses, get their names and contact information in case their account is needed.
- Avoid recorded statements: Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company before talking to a lawyer. Insurance adjusters often use statements against you to minimize payout. It’s better to let an attorney handle communication with insurers.
- Keep records: Keep all medical bills, repair estimates, bills for rental cars or medical equipment, and pay stubs showing time missed from work. These documents will help calculate the full value of your claim. Save any correspondence with insurers or repair shops.
- Contact an attorney: Call an experienced Houston car accident lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can protect your rights, advise you on dealing with insurers, and make sure you don’t miss any legal deadlines. (Texas law generally gives you two years from the crash date to file a claim, so it’s important to act promptly.)
Legal Rights and Compensation
In Texas, you have the right to seek compensation if another driver’s negligence caused the crash and your injuries. Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule, which means you can still recover damages even if you were partly at fault, as long as you share no more than 50% of the blame. Texas law generally gives you up to two years from the crash date to file a lawsuit (the statute of limitations), so it’s important to act promptly.
Potential compensation in a low speed crash case can include:
- Medical expenses (past and future treatment, therapy, prescriptions, medical equipment)
- Lost wages or lost earning capacity (if your injuries cause you to miss work or impair your ability to work)
- Pain and suffering (physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life)
- Property damage (repairs or replacement of your vehicle and other personal property)
- Other related costs (such as transportation to medical appointments, home care, or modifications)
Every case is unique. Even if your injuries from a fender bender seem minor, you could have significant medical bills or long-term problems. An attorney will assess the full value of your claim — including future medical needs — rather than just your immediate expenses.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters often downplay low speed crashes. They may claim that if your car only has a small dent or no visible damage, then your injuries must not be serious. You may be offered a quick, low settlement without a full evaluation. Be careful: signing documents too soon or accepting an early offer could waive your right to more compensation later.
At Adley Law Firm, we have experience fighting for victims of fender benders. We gather strong evidence — including the police report, medical records, and any available video or witness statements — to prove that your injuries are real and linked to the accident. We negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, making sure your claim is taken seriously and you receive full payment for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Settlement Expectations
Settlement amounts in low speed collision cases vary widely. Minor cases might resolve for a few thousand dollars, while more serious injuries can lead to much higher awards. Factors affecting your settlement include the severity and duration of your injuries, the quality of medical documentation, the impact on your daily life, and the at-fault driver’s insurance limits. Having an experienced attorney makes a difference — we work to ensure you are not lowballed and that all your damages are accounted for.
Why Choose Adley Law Firm?
Adley Law Firm is based right here in Houston, and we proudly serve injury victims throughout Texas. Our attorneys have over 30 years of experience handling car accident cases. We speak both English and Spanish, so you can feel comfortable discussing your case in the language you prefer. We offer free consultations, and we work on a contingency fee basis (you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case).
Our team has recovered millions of dollars for clients. We know how painful and stressful fender bender injuries can be. Let us take on the insurance companies and fight for the compensation you need to recover. We treat each client like family and keep you informed every step of the way.
Contact Adley Law Firm for a Free Consultation
If you were hurt in a low speed car crash in Houston or anywhere in Texas, don’t wait to get help. Contact the Adley Law Firm right away to discuss your case. We will explain your rights, handle all the paperwork, and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve. Call our office to schedule your free, no obligation consultation. Let our Houston attorneys help you focus on healing while we fight for your recovery.