Fender benders may seem like minor car accidents, but even low-speed collisions can lead to a surprising range of injuries. Many people walk away from these accidents feeling fine, only to notice pain and discomfort hours or even days later.
The sudden jolt of a fender bender places a variety of physical stresses on the body, which often causes muscle strains, bruises, or more significant damage to the spine or joints. The impact can affect soft tissue, joints, and sometimes even the brain. These types of injuries might not be immediately apparent, but they can lead to ongoing pain and complications if not treated properly.
Understanding common injuries from minor collisions can help people recognize symptoms early and seek medical care promptly. Here’s a closer look at some typical fender bender injuries and what each can entail.
Whiplash
Whiplash is the most commonly reported injury from fender benders. The sudden impact forces the head and neck to whip back and forth, straining the soft tissues, ligaments, and muscles around the neck. This injury can lead to pain, stiffness, headaches, and difficulty moving the neck. Whiplash symptoms often don’t appear until hours or even days after the accident, which makes it easy to dismiss initially.
In more severe cases, whiplash can result in chronic pain or complications in the cervical spine. Early treatment with physical therapy or chiropractic care often helps manage symptoms and prevent long-term issues. Even in minor cases, paying attention to whiplash symptoms and getting evaluated can speed up recovery and prevent lingering pain.
Concussions
Concussions can occur even in minor accidents, especially if the head impacts the steering wheel, window, or another hard surface. The brain shifts inside the skull upon impact, which can disrupt normal brain function.
Symptoms of a concussion can include:
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Confusion
- Memory problems
- Nausea
- Changes in mood
- Irregular sleep patterns
Concussions are sometimes hard to detect right away, particularly in low-speed accidents. Seeking medical attention is crucial if any head injury symptoms arise, as concussions can worsen without proper care. Rest, monitoring, and gradual return to normal activities usually help in recovery, but severe concussions may need more specialized medical support.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and contusions, are extremely common in minor accidents. These injuries affect muscles, ligaments, and tendons, which may stretch or tear during the sudden impact. Common areas for soft tissue injuries include the back, shoulders, and neck. Pain and swelling can range from mild to intense, depending on the location and extent of the injury.
Soft tissue injuries can take time to heal, and recovery often involves rest, physical therapy, and pain management. Ice and anti-inflammatory medications may provide short-term relief, but ongoing discomfort should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. Failing to address soft tissue injuries can lead to chronic pain or limited mobility.
Back Injuries
The jarring motion from a fender bender often strains the back, especially the lower back, resulting in pain, stiffness, and even disk injuries. While back pain may feel minor initially, it can worsen as inflammation sets in. Disk injuries, such as herniation or bulging, may occur when the spine absorbs the force of impact. Disk-related injuries often involve pain radiating to other areas, like the legs or arms.
If back pain persists after a minor accident, a healthcare provider may suggest imaging tests to identify any disk issues or spinal injuries. Treatment varies depending on severity but may include physical therapy, pain management, or, in rare cases, surgery. Early intervention helps prevent worsening pain and promotes a smoother recovery.
Cuts & Bruises
Although cuts and bruises may seem less serious, they are common in fender benders and can be painful. Seat belts, airbags, or contact with hard surfaces in the car can cause bruising or cuts on the chest, arms, or face. While bruises usually heal on their own, larger bruises or deep cuts might need medical treatment to avoid infection.
Some cuts and bruises may be more severe than they initially appear, especially those near joints or sensitive areas. Taking the time to clean and monitor any visible injuries can help prevent complications. For larger bruises or cuts, applying ice, keeping the area clean, and resting often speed up healing.
Shoulder Injuries
The shoulder takes a lot of force during an accident, especially if the driver instinctively grips the wheel tightly. Shoulder injuries can range from mild sprains to more serious conditions like rotator cuff tears. Pain, reduced range of motion, and swelling in the shoulder often indicate an injury that may need further evaluation.
Minor shoulder injuries may heal with rest and ice, but persistent pain or difficulty moving the shoulder could mean a more significant issue. Physical therapy, injections, or, in rare cases, surgery can help manage pain and restore movement in more severe cases. Early treatment can make a big difference in recovery and prevent chronic shoulder pain.
Take a Minor Accident Seriously
Even if an accident happened at low speed or didn’t result in any obvious injuries, you should treat it like a serious accident occurred.
Make sure to obtain all of the other driver’s information, including their insurance. Then, document the scene of the accident and make notes of when the accident occurred, where it occurred, and the weather conditions. If there are any witnesses to the accident, make sure you get their names and contact information as well.
Once it’s safe to leave the scene of the accident, schedule a medical evaluation and reach out to a personal injury lawyer. Your doctor can assess your medical condition, and an experienced car accident attorney can help you prepare a claim to seek compensation for damages, which can include medical bills and property damage.
Contact Us for Legal Assistance
Paulsen Law Group is an experienced law firm that can help you with your car accident injury claim. We’ve represented many clients with all kinds of car-related injury claims, which means we have the experience and skill necessary to help you fight for fair compensation.
Learn more during an initial consultation with our attorney—contact us today to request one.