Is It Worth Hiring a Lawyer for a Minor Car Accident?
Say you've been driving around Orange City, FL, to finish up some Christmas shopping. You get hit in a parking lot or parking garage at low speed; approximately 8 miles per hour. Nothing seems serious right now, and you exchange information with the other driver, who seems okay despite some minor vehicle damage.
Could you sue that other driver for negligence in a small collision like that? Would it even be worth the hassle?
It might surprise you, but it may be a good idea to file a lawsuit over that fender bender. It all depends on what happened to you and your vehicle.
Below I'll explain why an auto accident lawsuit may be worth pursuing and how Chanfrau & Chanfrau in Daytona Beach and Palm Coast can help you.
Even Small Crashes Can Cause Injuries
We often think of totaled vehicles and multi-car pileups when it comes to injury crashes, but the truth is that any collision could lead to injuries, even at driveway or parking lot speeds.
Some of these injuries may be worse than others.
Whiplash and Other Neck Injuries
The sudden jarring movement of the body could lead to whiplash and other kinds of neck injuries. This just goes to show how dangerous a bump can be, especially when you're not expecting it.
Injuries to the Back
In addition to neck injuries, you could sustain an injury to the lower back or thoracic spine in a low-speed crash. This could include ruptured vertebral discs or pinched nerves.
Injuries to the Head and Face
Low-speed crashes could cause facial injuries or a concussion and other traumatic brain injuries (TBI). This could be the result of the driver's head striking the steering wheel or door/side window, or as a consequence of the airbag deploying.
Other Bodily Injuries
Sprains, fractures, cuts, and other kinds of injuries are possible in low-speed crashes. If an airbag deploys, there's a chance of eye injuries or friction burns to consider as well.
Aggravation of an Existing Condition
For people who have an existing health issue or are recovering from surgery or another medical procedure, a low-speed crash could aggravate existing symptoms or problems.
Seek Medical Attention and Reach Out to a Lawyer
If you've been in a collision of any kind in Orange City, it's a good idea to seek medical attention just to be on the safe side. A physician can check for signs of potential injury, and early detection and treatment is the best policy.
Following a low-speed crash, it's also a good idea to contact our Daytona Beach or Palm Coast law office to review what happened with a lawyer.
Injury Warning Signs and Potential Symptoms
According to the National Safety Council, there were 5.4 million medically consulted injuries from auto collisions in 2021. Not all injuries were readily apparent after the crash. Some injuries may only present symptoms days and weeks later.
Be sure to schedule a medical exam if you notice any of the following issues after your collision:
- Persistent pain or headache
- Changes in mobility
- Blurry vision
- Fatigue
- Mental fog
- Unexplained dizziness
- Nausea
- Mood swings
- Noise sensitivity
- Light sensitivity
Fender Benders and Vehicle Damage
Keep in mind that a crash can cause more than bodily injury. There's a chance that your vehicle may have been damaged beyond a surface dent or scratch.
If your car was hit from a particular angle or direction, it could damage all kinds of essential systems. This includes your transmission, your steering system, your brakes, your radiator, and so forth. These are all essential for a proper working vehicle, yet there's the risk of these becoming compromised from a low-speed crash.
Note Changes in How Your Vehicle Drives and Handles
As you're driving after a collision, be especially mindful of how your vehicle handles. Is it still easy to steer your vehicle? Are the brakes responsive? Does your car make any strange noises after the collision? Does the engine run hot all of a sudden?
Consider Going in for a Body Shop Inspection
If you notice any vehicle issues after your crash, it's important to get your car checked by a professional. Again, it may not be serious, but it's always better to be safe rather than sorry when it comes to safety and roadworthiness.
If a mechanic or auto specialist finds anything amiss, this could be used to help file an accident claim for your Orange City car crash.
How the Attorneys at Chanfrau & Chanfrau Can Help
There are many personal injury law firms for people in Orange City to choose from, but Chanfrau & Chanfrau offers something unique that other practices don't.
Get an Initial Legal Consultation at No Cost
Both our Daytona Beach law office and Palm Coast law office offer initial consultations free of charge. This eliminates the financial hurdles of just speaking with a qualified attorney.
By telling us what happened, we can offer an honest opinion about the viability of your case. We can also provide information on what steps you can take next. There is no pressure or sales tactics–we just want to help injured people in this part of Florida.
Pay No Legal Fees Unless Your Case Is Successful
At Chanfrau & Chanfrau, we work on a contingency fee basis. In simple terms, that means if we work on your case, you do not pay us anything unless we can negotiate a good settlement or win a favorable verdict in court. If we cannot win anything for you, we don't get paid.
This contingency representation allows you to get strong legal help without any undue financial burden as a case or court battle stretches on. This also shows we will work hard for you and your success.
We've Spent Decades Serving the People of Florida
Chanfrau & Chanfrau has a legacy in Florida law that goes beyond my father's work in establishing this law firm. In 1960, my grandfather was appointed the Official Florida Court Reporter by the Governor. My great-grandmother was the first ever female court reporter in the state of Florida.
This legacy demonstrates my family's deep roots in and meaningful connections to Florida's legal community. We can use this trust and history to your advantage as we build a case for you.
Request a Free Consultation at Our Law Firm
Whether you've been in a car crash in Orange City, a different part of the Halifax area, or nearby, you can count on our law firm to be here for you. To set up a free, no-obligation case review, contact our law offices in Daytona Beach and Palm Coast.
About William Chanfrau, Jr.
William M. Chanfrau, Jr. began his legal career in 1997 working for the State Attorney's office. He joined his father's practice in 2001 and became a managing partner at the firm in 2007. Mr. Chanfrau is a member of the Florida Bar, the Southern Trial Lawyers Association, the Volusia Civil Trial Lawyers Association, and other legal organizations.
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