Low-Speed Accidents and Financial Losses
People typically think of high-speed crashes when they picture Florida car accidents. But not every collision happens at 65 miles per hour. Many accidents occur in neighborhoods, parking lots, or intersections at relatively low speeds. While these incidents may seem minor at first, they can still lead to significant injuries, medical bills, and financial stress.
What makes these cases even more complex is that low-speed collisions often involve illegal driving behaviors, actions that can result in both criminal charges and civil liability. Understanding how these cases unfold and how a Clearwater criminal lawyer can help you recover is critical if you’ve been injured in such a crash.
How Illegal Driving Behaviors Cause Low-Speed Collisions
Even at low speeds, reckless or unlawful conduct behind the wheel can have serious consequences. Some common examples include:
- Distracted driving. Texting at a stop sign or looking down while pulling out of a parking spot.
- Driving under the influence. Impaired judgment can cause drivers to misjudge distances or fail to stop in time.
- Failure to yield. Rolling through a stop sign or ignoring pedestrian crossings.
- Aggressive driving. Tailgating another vehicle out of frustration.
Each of these behaviors may seem minor at the moment, but they are all illegal and can cause real harm. Because while it is a common misconception to think that low-speed accidents don’t cause injuries. In reality, the human body can suffer significant trauma even in collisions at 10–20 miles per hour.
For one, whiplash and neck injuries are often caused by rear-end collisions. Additionally, spinal issues such as herniated discs or soft tissue damage can result from the jolt of impact, and even without a major impact, passengers may hit their head against the steering wheel, dashboard, or window. Broken bones and joint injuries are possible, too. Wrists, ankles, and knees are particularly vulnerable when bracing for impact.
A host of injuries can lead to medical bills ranging from a few thousand dollars for diagnostic tests and therapy to tens of thousands for ongoing treatment, surgery, or rehabilitation. Because of this, victims are often left juggling medical expenses, missed work, and insurance disputes.
Insurers often downplay low-speed accidents, claiming the injuries aren’t serious enough to warrant a settlement. A lawyer can push back with medical records and expert testimony. Legal professionals are in touch with work with medical experts too, respected individuals who can document the full extent of your injuries and treatment needs.
Don’t Let the Term Low-Speed Fool You
At any speed, accidents can cause very real injuries and lasting financial consequences. A knowledgeable Clearwater criminal lawyer can guide you through both the criminal implications of the other driver’s conduct and the civil process of recovering damages. With the right help, you can secure the financial relief you need to heal and move forward.
Could you secure a settlement following a crash that did not occur at a high speed? Talk to the attorneys at King Law Group. If a crash caused you harm, you may be entitled to compensation that helps you get back on your feet. Schedule your confidential consultation today.