Yes, it’s still possible to have a case even if there was no damage to your vehicle in a car accident. Property damage isn’t the only award available to claimants pursuing an insurance claim or lawsuit. A car accident lawyer can review your case and advise which damages you qualify to receive.
What Are Other Types of Damages Available After a Car Accident?
Property damage isn’t the only damage covered by insurance claims or lawsuits after a car accident. You can also pursue these damages:
- Medical expenses: You may have sustained injuries in your car accident, even if your vehicle wasn’t damaged. For example, whiplash and back injuries can occur in minor fender benders.
- Pain and suffering: Car crash injuries can lead to long-term pain and suffering. Thus, you can receive compensation for the emotional toll of your crash.
- Lost income: Dealing with a car accident’s aftermath can leave you out of work. Similarly, your accident-related injuries may force you to take time off from your job to recover. However, a settlement can compensate you for your lost income while unable to work.
Whiplash Symptoms
Knowing whiplash symptoms that can arise in minor car accidents might speed up recovery. They include:
- Neck stiffness
- Blurry vision
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Shoulder, upper back, and arm pain
- Headaches
- Increasing pain when you move your neck
Whiplash typically alleviates over time on its own. However, some cases have long-term complications. For example, some whiplash patients experience neck pain months or years after their accident. Older adults or previous whiplash sufferers are at a greater risk of experiencing long-term symptoms.
It Might Not Be Obvious That You’re Injured
Minor car accidents can cause other less-obvious injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Herniated disc
- Seatbelt syndrome (bruising and abdominal damage caused by a seatbelt)
You should see a doctor if you believe you have whiplash or another injury after your car accident. They can diagnose your condition and advise you on the recovery process. In addition, visiting a doctor also produces records of your injuries, which you can use as evidence when negotiating an insurance settlement.
Medical expenses are an established category of car accident damages. Therefore, regardless of your vehicle’s condition after a crash, you could still receive compensation for your medical bills.
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Car Accidents FAQs
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Even if your vehicle wasn’t damaged in a car accident, it’s critical that you follow these steps after the crash:
- Don’t admit fault: Doing so could jeopardize a future car accident claim.
- Speak with a doctor: As noted previously, it’s essential that you see a doctor who can advise you on the nature and severity of your injuries.
- File a police report: Georgia law requires accidents that involve more than $500 in injuries or property damage to be reported to the police. If you’re unsure if your accident caused this amount in damages, you should still contact the authorities. In addition, police reports can provide valuable information for car accident claims.
- Collect relevant information: Gather as much contact information as possible from those involved in the accident and relevant witnesses. In addition, take photos or videos of the vehicles involved if you can.
How Will I Know if I Have a Case?
The aftermath of a minor car accident can be confusing. For example, you may not know whether it’s worth your time to pursue compensation. In addition, you may also have insurers trying to settle with you as quickly as possible.
Speaking with a car accident lawyer can provide you with clarity. They can answer your questions and advise if you have a strong case.
The Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer
Lawyers don’t just provide advice. They can provide you with a suite of services, including:
- Communicating with insurers
- Negotiating for a fair settlement offer
- Investigating the facts of your case
- Filing a lawsuit if your case requires it
- Explaining the pros and cons of pursuing compensation
Do I Need to Spend Money to Speak to a Lawyer?
Our car accident lawyers offer free case evaluations. During these initial meetings, we’ll provide insight into your case. You can also get to know the attorney and decide if they’d be a good fit.
What’s more, you can also hire a lawyer without paying anything upfront. Our car accident lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning:
- We don’t charge any upfront fees. You won’t pay hourly rates or retainers.
- Hiring a lawyer on contingency is risk-free. We don’t get paid unless you receive a settlement or verdict.
- Our payment comes as a percentage of your final compensation.
Remember, it never hurts to ask an attorney about your potential claim. In some ways, minor car accidents—those that don’t involve any damage to your car—are more challenging to resolve than serious car accidents. “Minor” accidents are ambiguous and can leave you scratching your head.
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Consult With a Car Accident Lawyer Today
Were you recently in a minor car accident that didn’t damage your vehicle? Are you not sure how to proceed? Our team at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers can assist you. We know how confusing car accidents can be. So, we’ll put your questions to rest and assist you in the pursuit of compensation. We’ve won millions of dollars for our legal clients over the years.
Contact our offices today for a no-obligation, free case evaluation.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
