After a minor collision, you might feel relieved it wasn’t worse. Maybe you’re just annoyed about being late to work or dealing with insurance paperwork. The car is barely dented, so your body must be fine, too, right?
Unfortunately, this common thinking can lead to serious problems down the road. Even seemingly minor collisions can cause significant injuries that might not show up right away.
What happens to your body in a low-impact crash?
When another car hits yours, even at low speed, your body absorbs shocking forces. These forces affect everyone differently based on the following:
- Your position in the car
- Whether you saw the impact coming
- Your age and physical condition
- Your car’s safety features
- Whether you were wearing your seatbelt
Most people don’t realize the force their body endured during a low-impact collision. Your vehicle might stop suddenly, but your internal organs keep moving. Your brain can bounce against your skull. Your neck can snap forward and back quickly. All this happens before your body can prepare.
Hidden injuries with lasting effects
A low-speed collision can result in various injuries:
- Whiplash and neck injuries: Sudden back-and-forth movement strains neck muscles and ligaments. This can lead to headaches, neck pain and reduced range of motion lasting months or even years.
- Soft tissue damage: Muscles, tendons and ligaments throughout your body can tear or stretch. These injuries often cause pain, swelling and stiffness that worsens over days or weeks.
- Concussions and brain injuries: Your brain can hit against your skull even without hitting your head on anything. You may experience symptoms like confusion, chronic headaches, memory problems or mood changes.
- Emotional distress: A sudden and unexpected crash can be traumatic. The experience can trigger a stress response, leading to feelings of shock, anxiety or fear. Additionally, the event may raise concerns about safety, financial implications and the potential for future accidents.
Both the physical and emotional toll of a low-speed crash can catch people off guard, so it is crucial to take every collision seriously. See your doctor and mention the crash, even if you don’t think you’re severely hurt. Keep a close eye on your physical and mental symptoms, and document them – this can be invaluable in a claim against the negligent party.
Do you have more questions? Contact us today to get the answers you need.
