A fender bender car accident is when two cars collide at low speeds. Many people assume that injuries are rare in this type of car accident, but serious injuries can still occur. The impact of two passenger vehicles colliding, even at low speeds, can send drivers and passengers forward and backward with significant force, causing injuries.
Causes of Fender Bender Accidents
Fender benders often happen when a car rear-ends another vehicle. When rear-end accidents happen at low speeds, car damage can be minimal, but injuries to drivers and passengers can be severe. The most common causes of fender benders include:
- Failing to see another car when reversing
- Tailgating
- Speeding
- Driver distraction
- Drunk or drugged driving
- Drowsy driving
- Inclement weather conditions
- Mechanical failure
Common Injuries
Quite often, injuries caused by fender benders are not immediately obvious. When this type of accident occurs at low speeds, victims will immediately inspect car damage and share their personal information with the other driver. Injuries often do not appear immediately, most likely they will show up when victims are at home after the accident. The most common injuries caused in fender bender accidents include:
- Whiplash
- Head and neck injuries
- Brain injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Back injuries
- Soft tissue damage
- Internal organ damage
- Tendon and ligament damage
- Herniated discs in the neck and spine
- Broken bones
- PTSD
Fender bender accident victims may not experience pain or symptoms of injuries for days or even weeks after an accident. It is vital to seek immediate medical attention even if you believe you do not have an injury.
What to Do If You Are Involved in a Fender Bender Accident
Whenever a car accident happens, it is important to assess injuries and get emergency medical attention immediately. Once victims are stabilized, it is vital to gather as much evidence as possible to support your accident claim. Drivers should:
- Exchange driver’s licenses, car insurance, and contact information with the driver of the other vehicle.
- Take pictures of the accident scene and the road conditions surrounding the scene.
- Gather witness testimony and contact information. When possible, video of the witness testimony can be very helpful in a future claim.
- Call local law enforcement, even if the other driver does not want you to do so.
- File an official police report and get the attending officer’s badge information for future reference.
- Call your car insurance provider to report the accident.
- See a medical professional as soon as possible.
- Consult with an experienced car accident lawyer.
If you are involved in a minor car accident, you may experience resistance to report the accident from the other driver involved. Despite their protests, it is in your best interest to file an official police report and to contact your insurance company immediately.
Monmouth County Car Accident Lawyers at the Falcon Law Firm, LLC Represent Fender Bender Car Accident Victims
If you have been involved in a car accident, call one of our Monmouth County car accident lawyers at the Falcon Law Firm, LLC today. Even minor accidents can cause severe injuries. Contact us online or call us at 732-454-3306 to schedule a free consultation. With offices in Oakhurst, Parlin, and Aberdeen, New Jersey, and Doylestown, Pennsylvania, we serve clients in Belmar, Deal, Ocean Township, Point Pleasant, West Long Branch, Sayreville, Middlesex County, and Monmouth County, New Jersey, as well as Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
