It was just a fender bender—or so it seemed. Your car barely has a scratch, and the other driver shrugged it off at the scene. But your neck is throbbing and your back aches. What should you do next?
At Kirshenbaum & Kirshenbaum, our car accident attorneys have seen this story play out countless times. We know the truth: Serious injuries often hide in so-called "minor" collisions. If you're hurting after a low-speed crash in Rhode Island, we're here to listen, advise, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Why "Low Impact" Doesn't Mean Low Injury Risk
Even at speeds under 10 mph, the sudden jolt of a car accident can cause real physical trauma. The force travels directly to your body, even if your vehicle absorbs most of the damage. This abrupt motion commonly results in soft-tissue injuries like:
- Whiplash. The rapid back-and-forth of your head strains neck muscles and ligaments, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. In severe cases, whiplash can cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and even memory problems.
- Sprains and strains. Tendons and ligaments in your back, shoulders, knees, and wrists can stretch and tear from the impact. These injuries often cause swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the affected joint.
- Bruising. Seatbelts and airbags can leave heavy contusions as they protect you from worse harm. Deep muscle bruises can be intensely painful and linger for weeks.
The Sneaky Symptoms of Soft Tissue Damage
Unlike broken bones, soft tissue injuries may not appear on X-rays or scans. Your doctor may need to rely on physical exams and your descriptions of pain and limited mobility to diagnose the damage.
After a minor car accident, you may not feel pain right away due to shock and adrenaline. But over the following days and weeks, stiffness, soreness, and swelling can increasingly disrupt your life:
- Household tasks like cooking and cleaning become arduous
- You struggle to keep up at work or need time off to rest
- Driving, exercising, and other regular activities get sidelined
- The pain keeps you up at night and clouds your focus all day
Should I See a Doctor After a Minor Car Accident?
Yes, always seek medical attention immediately after a car accident, even if you feel relatively fine at the scene. Some serious injuries, like concussions and neck trauma, may not cause noticeable symptoms right away. Getting a thorough medical evaluation as soon as possible after any collision protects both your health and your legal rights. Here's why it matters:
- Early treatment leads to better outcomes. Prompt care can reduce pain, improve mobility, and prevent injuries from worsening over time. Waiting to see a doctor allows the damage to compound unchecked.
- Delays can harm your case. Insurance companies are quick to claim that gaps in treatment prove you weren't really hurt. The sooner you see a doctor and follow their recommendations, the stronger your position to demand fair injury compensation.
Protect Your Rights After a Minor Car Accident
You have the right to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages after any car accident that wasn't your fault. Your actions following the crash can make all the difference in the outcome. Take these steps to protect your rights:
- See a doctor as soon as possible after the collision and follow all treatment instructions carefully
- Report the accident to your insurance company, but stick to the basic facts of what happened—don't downplay your injuries or speculate about fault
- Contact an experienced car accident attorney for legal advice
How Can I Afford a Lawyer for a Minor Collision?
If the insurance company is dismissing your injuries as minor and undeserving of payment, you may feel like you can't afford an attorney to fight for your rights. However, with contingency fees, anyone can access quality legal representation after an accident, regardless of their financial status.
At Kirshenbaum & Kirshenbaum, you pay nothing up front or out of pocket. We cover the costs of building your case and pursuing your claim. If we don't secure a recovery for you, you owe us nothing. We only get paid if you do, and our fee comes as a percentage of your settlement or verdict. That's our promise.
Your pain and limitations are real, even if the vehicle damage is minor—and you shouldn't have to bear that burden alone when someone else caused your injuries. Our seasoned Rhode Island car accident lawyers can handle the insurance company and aggressively advocate for the full compensation you deserve.
The compassionate legal team at Kirshenbaum & Kirshenbaum understands the physical, emotional, and financial challenges that accident victims face. We're here to provide compassionate counsel and diligent representation to help our clients rebuild their lives. Let us handle the stress and complex work of your claim, from start to finish, so you can focus on feeling like yourself again.