What is considered a minor car accident?

A minor car accident often involves small damages or low-impact collisions. These are common in parking lots, at stop signs, or during slow-moving traffic. In many cases, a minor accident leaves little visible damage. However, injuries can still occur, even if the crash seems small.

At Davidoff Law, we understand that even minor car accidents can lead to unexpected challenges, including injuries like whiplash or muscle strain that may appear after the incident. Understanding what qualifies as a minor car accident helps drivers know their rights and prepare for the consequences.

Whether the accident seemed minor or major, knowing what steps to take afterward is crucial. This guide explores what makes an accident “minor” and why it still matters.

Your Obligations After an Accident Under New York Law

After a car accident in New York, drivers must follow certain rules. New York law requires drivers to exchange information with others involved, including contact details, names, and insurance information.

The police report helps document the accident, which can support personal injury claims later. Failing to report an accident can lead to hefty fines or legal issues. Knowing these rules protects you and supports any future claims.

Even a Minor Accident Can Lead To Major Injuries

Even a minor accident can cause injuries that are hard to spot immediately. Many accident victims feel fine at first but develop pain later. Minor car accidents often lead to whiplash, back pain, or even spinal cord injuries. Sometimes, minor injuries progress into more severe injuries over time.

Traumatic brain injuries can occur, even in low-speed crashes. These serious injuries may not be clear immediately but can have lasting effects.

Accident victims should always watch for signs like headaches, dizziness, or muscle stiffness. A minor car accident can bring unexpected medical bills and recovery costs.

Even a Minor Accident Can Cause Significant Property Damage

A minor car accident can still lead to costly property damage. Cars can suffer dents, scratches, or broken parts, even at low speeds. The damage may affect a vehicle’s safety or performance in some cases.

Hidden damage is also common in minor accidents. What looks like a small scratch may hide deeper problems. This can lead to expensive repairs later. Getting a full inspection helps identify all issues early. Addressing property damage right away saves time and money in the long run.

Always See a Doctor After a Car Accident

After any car accident, seeing a doctor is essential. Minor injuries like whiplash or back strain may take hours or even days to appear. Ignoring these symptoms can result in severe problems later.

A doctor can detect hidden injuries, including traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries. Early treatment lowers the risk of long-term issues.

Medical records from a check-up also support personal injury claims if needed. Protect your health and legal rights by visiting a doctor after any accident, big or small.

Take Your Car to the Shop, Even After a Fender Bender

After a minor car accident, it’s best to get your vehicle checked by a mechanic. Even small marks can cause hidden damage. For example, a fender bender may seem minor but can affect the car's alignment or rear suspension. These issues may lead to bigger problems later.

A mechanic can find and fix any hidden damage right away. Waiting to repair minor damage can end up costing more.

Some issues, like alignment problems, can also make driving unsafe. Taking your car to the shop ensures it’s safe to drive and helps avoid future repair expenses.

Possible Expenses You Might Incur After a Car Accident

Car accidents, even minor ones, can bring unexpected costs. Here are some common expenses you might face:

• Medical bills: Costs for emergency care, tests, or ongoing treatment. Even minor injuries can require medical attention. A serious injury doesn't only happen in major accidents.
• Physical therapy: Therapy for recovery after injuries, especially back or neck pain.
• Vehicle repairs: Expenses for fixing visible and hidden damage to your car.
• Lost wages: Time missed from work due to injury or car repairs.
• Property damage: Costs for items damaged in the accident, like phones or bags.

These expenses add up quickly. Filing a personal injury claim can help recover these costs.

How Fault and Liability Are Assigned After a Car Crash

In a car accident, fault and liability determine who pays for damages. New York follows a "no-fault" rule. This means each driver's insurance covers their hospital bills, no matter who caused the accident. However, the injured party can file a personal injury claim if serious injuries or major property damage happen.

The fault is often decided based on evidence, like police reports or witness statements. Insurance companies review this information to decide who caused the crash.

Understanding fault and liability is essential for accident victims to protect their rights. If needed, an experienced personal injury lawyer can assist in proving fault.

The Benefits of Partnering With an Experienced Manhattan Car Accident Lawyer

Having an experienced car accident lawyer brings many benefits. Here are some ways they can help you:

Stress Reduction

A car accident can be stressful. The paperwork, insurance claims, and medical bills add to the strain. Partnering with an experienced personal injury lawyer takes this burden off your shoulders. They handle the legal and insurance details, letting you focus on recovery.

An attorney knows the steps involved and prepares each part of your case. This experience means fewer mistakes and a smoother process.

For accident victims, this support can be a relief. After a minor car accident or a major accident, having a lawyer reduces the stress of navigating complex claims and paperwork.

Complete Investigation

A complete investigation helps build a strong case after a car accident. An experienced personal injury lawyer gathers relevant evidence. They look at police reports, photos, and witness statements. This process reveals key details about how the accident occurred.

The lawyer may also work with experts to understand accident causes, such as vehicle damage or road conditions. These steps help show fault and liability, especially in cases with serious injuries.

A thorough investigation, whether a minor or a major car accident, is essential. Strong evidence increases the chances of a fair settlement.

Negotiation With Insurance and Opposing Counsel

Negotiation is a key part of getting fair compensation after a car accident. Sometimes, insurance companies try to settle for less than what accident victims deserve.

An experienced personal injury attorney at Davidoff Law knows how to handle these talks. They review medical bills, property damage, and other expenses to ensure a fair claim amount.

Your attorney also communicates with the opposing counsel. Our attorneys at Davidoff Law work to achieve a settlement that covers all accident-related costs. This process saves you time and stress. Having a skilled negotiator on your side improves the chance of a better outcome.

Maximize Your Possible Settlement

After a car accident, getting a fair settlement is vital. An experienced personal injury lawyer works to increase your compensation. They assess all damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. This ensures that no costs are overlooked.

Lawyers also know what evidence strengthens a case. They gather proof of injuries and the consequences of the accident on your life.

Building a strong case improves your chances of a higher settlement. They aim to secure enough funds to cover all current and future accident expenses.

Contact Our Manhattan Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Review

At Davidoff Law, we understand the effects of car crashes, whether they’re minor or major. Even minor car accidents can result in high hospital bills, costly repairs, and serious injuries. In some cases, traumatic brain injury or spinal cord damage may result from a serious car accident.

If you’ve been hurt, our experienced team is here to help. We work with accident victims to ensure that insurance companies handle claims fairly. We review every case, gathering details about injuries, damages, and vehicles involved. 

Contact Davidoff Law today for a free consultation. We are ready to help you with your personal injury claim.