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Have you been involved in a fender-bender accident? These are among the most common types of car accidents. Although fender-benders do not normally result in serious injury, it is still vital for you to know what the next steps are if you have been involved in one.
Judd Shaw Injury Law has years of experience fighting auto accident victims. You will not need to pay us anything unless we get money for your claim. Our car accident attorneys are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to take your call and provide a free case review.
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a car accident can take on a family. We will work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at 732-888-8888 or fill out our online contact form to get started.
What Is a Fender-Bender?
Fender-benders are relatively minor car accidents. Typically, these accidents do not result in serious injuries. Minor accidents can happen to anyone at any time, whether you are in a shopping parking lot, a park, or just visiting a friend’s house.
If fender-bender accidents are minor, do you still need to call a lawyer? The answer is yes. Why? If the accident was not your fault, then you could still be entitled to significant compensation. Vehicle repairs are not cheap, even for minor damages.
Can You Handle the Insurance Company by Yourself?
You should not attempt to handle the insurance company by yourself. The insurance company has its own interests in mind, not yours. The insurance company is likely to take advantage of you if you are not represented by a lawyer. Insurance adjusters may lowball you on your settlement offer or try to get you to admit fault for the accident.
Additionally, you may not be familiar with the law and the complex insurance policies involved in the case. A car accident lawyer can help guide you through the complex legal process and make sure that all of the paperwork is filed correctly.
An experienced lawyer knows how to fight to ensure you are getting a fair settlement. The right lawyer can also negotiate on your behalf so you get the best possible outcome and help you understand your rights and options.
What Damages Are Common After a Fender-Bender?
Minor car accidents can lead to major inconveniences and financial burdens. Whether the damage is a dent in the company car or a wheel misalignment in the family van, you should not have to be stuck footing the repair bill when you deserve coverage.
Since fender-benders tend not to result in major vehicle damage, issues with your vehicle may not be immediately noticeable. What types of vehicle damage should you look for after an accident? The following are two common issues you may face.
Wheel alignment issues
From potholes to speed bumps, it does not take much to throw off your vehicle’s wheel alignment. So it is not surprising that even a minor accident can cause misalignment in your vehicle. When this happens, it can cause your vehicle to pull and drift, making it difficult to steer. Also, it may cause your tires to wear down or a noticeable leaning to one side while driving or parked.
Whether your vehicle is a family car or used for another purpose, these are serious safety issues that cannot be ignored. The average cost to fix alignment issues is $50 to $150. Unfortunately, if you are unable to pay for repairs, you may be unable to use your car. Because of this, you may miss work which means lost wages and other financial inconveniences.
Problems with your engine
Do minor car accidents result in engine problems? It is a definite possibility, depending on where your car was hit. It is always better to err on the safe side and get your vehicle checked out. Why? Even the smallest engine issues can turn into a major problem down the road.
Generally speaking, it is not safe to drive with engine problems. Depending on the damage, you could spend $4,000 or more to replace the engine. If you are unprepared to cover such repair costs, you most likely will not be able to use your vehicle.
Can a Minor Car Accident Cause Serious Injury?
Auto collisions are never easy to deal with and can be very frustrating. You might be tempted to just brush it off and move on, but that is not always a good idea. Even a minor car accident can cause serious injuries, and you need to be aware of the risks before you make any decisions.
In addition to the obvious damage to your car, a fender-bender can also cause serious and unseen injuries. There are a lot of myths out there about car accidents, and one of the most common is that only major accidents can cause serious injuries. That simply is not true. Any time you are involved in a collision, there is a risk of being injured, even if the damage to your car is minimal.
Why is that? Well, for one thing, your body is not meant to handle the kinds of forces that are involved in even a low-speed collision. The human body is fragile, and when it is hit with enough force, serious injuries can occur.
Even if you do not feel pain immediately, you could be experiencing whiplash, which can lead to long-term neck and back problems. Internal bleeding and organ damage are also possible, even if you do not see any external injuries.
These sorts of injuries might not seem like a big deal at first but can become very painful and debilitating. If you are not careful, small injuries can also lead to long-term health problems.
Other common injuries from contact with the steering wheel, dashboard, or other parts of the car include:
- Bruises
- Cuts
- Scrapes
- Broken bones
- Fractures
- Head injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
So what should you do if you are involved in a minor car accident? After getting medical attention, call Judd Shaw Injury Law. Having our lawyers on your side can give you peace of mind during what is often a stressful and confusing time. You can focus on healing and getting your life back on track while your lawyer handles the legal details.
Judd Shaw Injury Law Can Help You With a Fender-Bender Accident
Even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you may still be able to recover some damages from the other driver’s insurance company. If you are still unsure whether or not hiring a car accident lawyer is right for your case, schedule a consultation with one of our team members today.
At Judd Shaw Injury Law, we understand that being involved in a car accident, even a fender-bender, can be stressful and confusing. Our team of attorneys is here to help you every step of the way, from filing your claim to getting you the compensation you deserve.
We offer a free case review so that we can assess your situation and determine how best to proceed. With our policy of paying on contingency, you won’t pay us anything unless we win your case. Call us today at 732-888-8888 or complete our online contact form to get started.