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Writer's pictureRobert Schuerger II

Can Victims Get Compensation for Minor Injuries From Car Accident Crashes?

It is understandable that after a major car accident, victims are more worried about life-threatening injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, rather than minor scratches and bruises. However, in the eyes of the law in Tennessee, victims are entitled to receive compensation for all the injuries they suffer, regardless of the severity.


This means that in the case of a minor car accident in which victims walk away feeling fine, if they notice any minor injuries that require hospitalization or some form of medical treatment, they can sue the at-fault party or their insurance company for damages.


With a good lawyer on the case, compensation can be awarded for any type of injuries car accident victims suffer and any mental trauma after car accident. Even difficult-to-diagnose injuries, such as emotional distress and post-traumatic stress disorder, can result in the victims walking away with sizable damages.


What Are Considered Minor Car Accidents?

What Are Considered Minor Car Accidents?


A minor car accident is often described as a crash that does not result in life-threatening or serious injuries. Victims can usually recover fairly quickly from such accidents, with very little disruption to their daily lives.


However, there is no telling what long-term effects a minor car accident injury will have on a victim. Some victims end up dealing with the long-term effects of psychological distress and other less-common injuries, which are often overlooked in a minor auto accident.


Since minor car accidents rarely cause serious injuries that require hospitalization or extensive medical treatment, the at-fault party or their insurance company may try to downplay the victim's rights to seek fair compensation.


It is important to note that only a medical doctor can safely rule out the possibility of serious car crash injuries, so regardless of how minor auto accidents may seem, it is always best to seek medical treatment as soon as possible.


Common Car Accident Injuries Victims May Suffer


In an ordinary car accident claim, victims usually seek compensation for similar kinds of injuries. This is because for most car accidents, common injuries include the following:

  • Traumatic brain injury

  • Soft tissue injuries

  • Sprains

  • Spinal cord injuries

  • Internal injuries

  • Broken bones

  • Facial injuries

  • Back injuries

  • Chest injuries

  • Neck injuries

  • Sprained ankles

  • Minor head injury (such as concussions)

  • Penetrating injuries

Depending on the severity of the collision, some of these injuries may be classified as severe or minor car accident injuries.


Unlike, for example, traumatic head injuries, which are always serious, broken bones can fall into either category depending on the severity of the car accident.


Similarly, crushing the chest against the steering wheel can cause minor or major injuries depending on the severity of the car collision.


As mentioned, only an experienced doctor can safely rule out serious car accident injuries, which is why medical treatment is required, even after minor accidents.


Steps to Take After a Car Accident


In the aftermath of motor vehicle accidents, knowing what to do can save the lives of the victims and also increase their chances of walking away with fair compensation. Whether victims have suffered a minor or serious injury, they can take the following steps after a vehicle accident:


Seek Medical Treatment

A trip to the emergency room after a car accident is always the best thing to do before anything else. A doctor needs to assess the extent of any bodily injuries the victim may have suffered, as well as determine whether treatment, physical therapy, or psychological evaluation is warranted.


Gather Evidence

After the safety of the victims has been guaranteed, it will be time to start looking ahead at the possibility of going to trial to seek damages for the injuries the victim has sustained.


In the event of a lawsuit, the victim will need as much evidence as possible to argue their case, which is why they need to take pictures of the accident scene, document their injuries, and talk to any witnesses to the accident.


Collect Receipts of Medical Bills

One of the biggest weapons in the victim's arsenal when fighting for fair compensation is the receipt of all the medical expenses they had to shoulder as a result of the injuries they sustained, whether they are minor or major injuries. This is one of the first things a good lawyer will ask to see.


Hire a Personal Injury Attorney

It can be very difficult to pursue compensation for minor injuries because the defense team will use every opportunity to downplay how much the victim has suffered. This means such cases require the help of an experienced Nashville automobile accident attorney to convince the jury that all victims of car accidents deserve to be compensated, even after suffering relatively minor injuries.


Can Victims Recover Damages for a Minor Accident?

Can Victims Recover Damages for a Minor Accident?


With the right strategy, a good lawyer can help victims recover damages even after suffering minor injuries from car accidents. However, depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident, the journey to recovering fair compensation can be a long and difficult one.


Often, victims will need an experienced personal injury attorney to assist with the following:


Determining Fault

Before discussing the amount of damages owed, or even the extent of the injuries suffered, the victim's attorney needs to prove that the other party is at fault for the accident and that the injuries their client suffered are a direct result of that accident. Only once the fault has been established can the attorney move on to the next steps, which involve seeking compensation.


Estimating Damages

One of the first things an attorney will do is gather all the medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and doctor's reports to determine how much compensation the victim should expect.


Fighting for Victims in Court

Even with all the evidence on their side, if an insurance company is determined not to pay for the treatment of the victim's minor injuries, a huge fight should be expected. However, an experienced lawyer should be able to fight for the victim's rights and win fair compensation. They can also give insight on bulging disc from car accident.


Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys Is Ready to Go to War for Victims


With many years of dealing with a wide range of personal injury cases involving both minor and major injuries, Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys has what it takes to go to war for victims of car accidents.

Victims can call the law firm right now and schedule a free consultation.

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