The big question many crash victims struggle with is when to call a lawyer after a car accident. Most people hurt in minor collisions don’t believe their case deserves the time and resources an experienced car accident attorney offers. They may also feel they can quickly negotiate with the insurance company without involving a lawyer in the insurance claims process.
Car accident compensation in Arizona can be tricky. Even with minor crashes and fender benders, it may be in your best interest to contact a car accident attorney in Phoenix to help you understand your legal rights and avoid being taken advantage of by an insurer.
What Qualifies as a Minor Car Accident?
Car crashes involving low speeds, minimal physical injury, and lesser impacts fall into the category of minor accidents. Often, minor collisions cause relatively insignificant injuries and slight body damage to vehicles. Fender benders are an excellent example of a minor motor vehicle accident. These impacts tend to occur at low speeds, causing minimal bumper damage and few injuries.
Other examples of what may be considered minor car accidents include:
- Parking lot accidents
- Sideswipe accidents
- Rear-end collisions
- Hitting a curb or stationary object at low speed
Typically, a minor collision only damages the vehicle’s body and does not prevent the car from operating.
Common Injuries from Minor Car Accidents
Although they are minor accidents, low-impact and low-speed collisions can still cause injuries. Some of the most common injuries associated with minor car accidents in Phoenix include:
- Concussions
- Whiplash
- Cuts and bruises
- Sprains
- Strains
- Superficial injuries
A medical professional can treat most minor injuries, and these wounds usually do not require significant hospitalization. Rest and over-the-counter pain relievers may be the best treatment options.
Common Issues After a Minor Car Accident
You should be aware of the following frequent challenges and mistakes after a minor collision:
Not Treating the Crash Seriously
One of the most common issues following a minor auto accident is the relaxed attitude some drivers take when evaluating the initial situation. When only minimal damage or injuries are involved, the other driver may try to convince you to avoid contacting the authorities and handle things privately between you. This is often one of the worst ways to handle a crash, even a minor one.
Comprehensive documentation is the key to recovering fair compensation for injuries and financial losses. That means you need a police report, photographs from the scene, and all parties’ insurance information. Failing to treat the accident as a significant event can hurt you when you try to negotiate for the money you need. It is never wise to trust that the other driver will properly compensate you in exchange for keeping their insurance company out of the equation.
Not Seeing a Doctor
Another problem with minor car accidents is that you may not feel the need to visit a medical professional for minimal injuries. This is a mistake. You need medical documentation to prove you were injured and seek meaningful compensation. Your health may also be at risk because even minor injuries can become significant when they are not discovered and managed promptly.
Accepting a Low-Ball Settlement
Never accept an initial settlement offer without consulting a minor car accident attorney. The other driver or insurance company wants to settle the matter quickly and cheaply. They are hoping you accept their first offer without question, allowing them to pay you off for pennies and move on with their lives. Talking to an attorney is the best way to understand your rights and legal options for pursuing the compensation you deserve.
When Should You Contact a Lawyer?
It never hurts to contact a lawyer for your minor car accident in Phoenix as soon as possible. Involving an attorney allows them to advise you about the best way to move forward with seeking the compensation you need to cover your losses.
Talking to an attorney quickly is also in your best interest because your attorney can investigate the cause of the crash and gather crucial evidence before it is lost or destroyed. They can then have the tools to negotiate maximum compensation on your behalf.
Discussing your situation soon after a collision provides you with peace of mind. You do not have to worry about the stress and frustration of managing a claim on your own. You can focus on moving forward with your life and let your attorney fight for you.
How a Lawyer Can Help After a Minor Car Accident
A lawyer working on a minor car accident in Phoenix can advocate for you. They are your first defense when protecting your legal rights and handling the sometimes confusing and complicated insurance claims process. You can trust an experienced lawyer to help you by:
- Investigating the cause of the minor collision
- Collecting and preserving evidence
- Communicating on your behalf with the parties and insurers involved
- Negotiating for maximum compensation
- Advocating for you during the claims process
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit when necessary
- Representing you in court if you must take your case to trial
A Phoenix car accident attorney can manage every aspect of the claims process from start to finish, allowing you the time you need to heal and recover from your mental and physical injuries. Don’t fall for the myth that you don’t need an attorney after a minor car crash. No matter the circumstances, you deserve comprehensive legal representation.
Contact Our Phoenix Car Accident Lawyer for Help
At Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer, our legal team focuses on helping you pursue the money you deserve after a collision. Whether the crash that harmed you was big or small, we understand that you deserve our undivided attention and personalized legal advice.
Our team has extensive experience recovering millions for our deserving clients, including many high-five and six-figure settlements for some clients in “minor collisions.” We work to build a personal relationship with each client, helping them through the whole process of filing a car accident claim. Past clients say: “You just can’t imagine how much there is to do even when it’s not your fault. We would highly recommend Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer.”
Contact our Phoenix office today to demand everything you’re owed. We offer a free case review to help you understand your legal rights and how we can help you pursue compensation for your injuries and financial losses, even after a minor car accident.
