Fender-Bender Accident Lawyer

Experiencing a car accident can suddenly create an uneasy feeling that brings on a range of emotions. If you suffered a personal injury, you may feel overwhelmed thinking about how this accident may have changed your life. 

But what if the auto accident was just a fender-bender? Perhaps you may feel that since no major damage has occurred, the accident can be resolved rather quickly. You may also be thinking, “I don’t really need an attorney for this.”

Do not be fooled. Even if the accident is a simple fender-bender, get advice from a car accident attorney at Michigan’s largest personal injury law firm. Call Mike Morse Law Firm at 855-MIKE-WINS for a free consultation. 

What Is a Fender Bender?

The rhyming term is a colloquialism for a minor accident. The fender is a panel of aluminum, plastic, fiberglass, rubber or a combination thereof; it’s located above the wheels. However, not all fender benders involve damage to the fender. The true test of whether an accident qualifies as a fender bender is the severity of the consequences.

Minimal Damage

Vehicles may sustain scratches, dents or scrapes in a fender bender but must remain drivable. Repairs may include paint touch-ups, pulling out dents and other cosmetic restorations.

Of course, just because a car is drivable doesn’t necessarily mean you should continue using it. A loose part may be easy to fix on its own but cause internal damage if left unaddressed. In fact, the following are invisible issues a fender bender can cause:

• Exhaust pipe damage
• Misalignment
• Bent frame or subframe
• Suspension issues
• Engine trouble

If you experience a fender bender and your car appears drivable, you should pull over in a safe area and contact your insurance company. If your policy offers roadside assistance, your insurance will pay for a tow truck. Otherwise, you’ll need to arrange a tow yourself.

Low Speed

What counts as “low speed?” There’s no legal cutoff to designate a particular speed as “low” or “low-impact.” Instead, the phrase describes a collision that occurs at a much slower speed than typically used on a roadway.

As a result, many fender benders happen at 15 or 10 mph — in some cases, one of the vehicles may be at a complete stop. One of the most common scenarios is a driver rear-ending a car at an intersection or stop sign. The motorist may brake yet fail to stop the vehicle in time to avoid impact. Distractions are a common factor in these circumstances.

Another scenario is a sideswipe collision. This type of accident occurs when cars make side contact with another vehicle. The result is usually a long scrape or scratch along the affected side and potential harm to the side mirror.

One or More Moving Vehicles

When you think of a fender bender, you probably imagine a two-car collision. However, it’s possible to cause a minor accident with only one vehicle:

• Scraping the car against a pole while pulling out of a parking spot
• Driving into the garage wall because your van was accidentally in drive instead of reverse
• Running up on a curb

The above situations qualify as fender benders if you don’t get hurt and the car sustains minimal damage.

Do you have to treat a single-car fender bender the same as a two-party accident? It depends. For example, you are only legally required to call the police if someone gets injured or the damage totals more than $1000.

Reporting to your insurance company is another matter. Each company has different policies dictating when customers must notify them of an accident, as collisions are a factor in your rate. Speaking with your agent and clarifying the requirements is a good idea.

Why Should You Speak With An Attorney Even After a Fender-Bender 

Auto accidents occur frequently in Michigan. In fact, in just 2019, there were 314,377 car accidents. Quite often, most of these auto accidents are fender-benders. In other words, the damage is minimal and any injuries might not appear to be serious at first.

Common causes of fender-benders in Michigan highlight that most of these car accidents are the result of driver’s negligence. Some of these include:

• Speeding
• Failure to yield
• Tailgating
• Attempting to park in tight spaces
• Distracted driving
• Intoxicated driving
• Driving while high
• Running red lights
• Running stop signs
• Aggressive driving
• Improper lane-changing
• Obstacles in the road
• Bad weather

In some fender-bender cases, compensation can be settled without the assistance of an attorney. This could happen if, after the fender-bender, the police arrive, investigate, and make a police report documenting who was negligent. Then, the at-fault party cooperates with what is written in the police report, and his or her auto insurance company agrees to pay fair compensation. 

Unfortunately, however, in an effort to minimize the value of the victim’s claim, the auto insurance company might make light of any injuries suffered based on the modest damage to the vehicles. Insurance companies have a reputation for offering low amounts of compensation for damages, especially in cases of fender-benders.

Further, although it may appear that the victim has not sustained any injuries, sometimes even in minor fender-benders, injuries have a way of appearing days or weeks after the accident. If a victim accepts a settlement from the insurance before injuries fully manifest themselves, any chance for compensation that covers most or all expenses will be lost.

Don’t let this happen to you. Instead, consult a car accident lawyer as soon as possible after experiencing a fender-bender. A law firm experienced with car accident claims, such as Mike Morse Law Firm, can assist you.

Your lawyer can investigate the collision, gather evidence, and hold responsible parties liable so they pay fair compensation for your injuries and other accident-related damages. Our attorneys thus can help to alleviate any frustration that you may be feeling so you can focus on healing.

Some Common Types of Injuries in Fender-benders

After experiencing a fender-bender, aches and pains might start revealing themselves within days or weeks. This could lead to a diagnosis of a more serious injury. Before you realize it, expenses for medical bills can start to accumulate. 

Injuries can be different in each accident. Some common injuries suffered after fender-benders can include the following.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

Traumatic brain injuries can occur even in lower impact rear-end car accidents. These accidents usually have a serious effect on an unexpecting victim’s head and neck. Injuries can include hemorrhages and concussions, both of which require rapid medical attention as potentially life-threatening conditions.

Skin injuries

Fender-benders can leave victims with bruises or cuts. These injuries usually occur right after the crash and can range from mild to severe. Victims may experience pain and be left permanently scarred. 

Whiplash

When a person’s head moves back and forth with great force, this is known as whiplash. This type of injury is usually caused by rear-end collisions. Days after the accident, a victim may begin to experience dizziness or headaches. He or she may also feel pain and stiffness in the neck area. It may become more difficult to turn his or her head. 

No two people have the exact same effects from a whiplash injury. Many people recover quickly while others may suffer long-lasting complications.

Disk herniation

A herniated disk can put pressure on the surrounding nerves which results in excruciating pain for the victim. This type of injury requires immediate medical treatment.

Herniated disk injuries also usually occur after rear-end collisions. Symptoms such as back pain and weakness in the arms or legs can indicate a herniated disk. These symptoms may begin right after the accident or may become manifest later. 

Of course, there are several other injuries that can be suffered as a result of a fender-bender. An experienced car accident lawyer with our firm can help you recover by getting you the money you need at this tough time. Having a lawyer in your corner really can make all the difference with your claim.

Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled to Receive

If you were a victim of a fender-bender, you might be surprised at how costly the repairs to your vehicle can be after the accident. Even small dents can cost hundreds of dollars. If you suffered any personal injuries, medical bills can accumulate rather quickly. Further, you may be dealing with reduced or lost wages resulting from the accident. 

Our highly skilled attorneys can get you fair compensation for damages and losses. This will give you peace of mind while you focus on healing. You may be legally entitled to recover compensation for:

• Present and future medical bills
• Present and future lost wages
• Property damage
• Household renovation for disability
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Compensation for wrongful death

Get Your Claim in Good Hands Today!

The car accident attorneys at Mike Morse Law Firm are here to help you with your claim. Even if the auto accident did not cause serious damage to your vehicle, injuries can eventually show up and make life much harder. It only makes sense that the person who caused your loss and injury pays compensation for damages and recovery, to ensure you have peace of mind and an enjoyable life ahead of you. 

However, it can be a complicated process to get fair compensation for your losses. If you are looking to maximize the amount you recover, come talk to us. Our auto accident lawyers can put their legal expertise to work to get you every penny you deserve. 

Please note that the statute of limitations for pursuing a personal injury case in Michigan, with few exceptions, is only 3 years from the date of the accident. So it is urgent that you speak to an attorney with our firm today. Call 855-MIKE-WINS to schedule your free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.