You should treat every car accident the same, regardless of the visible damage to your vehicle. Assume the worst and see a doctor as soon as possible. You should also have your vehicle checked for any damage.
Though the damage may seem minor or nonexistent, there could be issues with you and your vehicle that a professional could identify. And if there is, you will need to file a claim to cover those expenses. If you have been in a car crash with no damage but need assistance filing a claim or have questions,Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers near you can help.
Your Health After a Car Accident With No Damage
Your health and safety should always be a priority following any car crash. You may feel fine now, but you could be suffering from injuries that won’t present themselves immediately. A doctor can run tests and diagnose your condition, identifying hidden and obscured injuries that you may be unaware of.
Seeing a doctor, especially after a car hits you from behind and leaves no visible damage, could be enough to identify such low-slow injuries as the following:
- Whiplash
- Concussion or mildtraumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Soft tissue injuries
- Herniated discs
- Back, shoulder, and jaw injuries
- Emotional or mental trauma
Delayed symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and cognitive fog can appear days later, indicating internal trauma that could worsen without early treatment. Insurers may also use a gap in medical treatment to argue that the injuries were unrelated to the crash.
Expectant mothers and elderly victims are especially vulnerable, even in low-impact crashes. A doctor’s early evaluation can ensure complications are caught in time and appropriately documented.
Your Car May Have Hidden Damage
Cars are designed to absorb impacts and protect the occupants from the brunt of the collisions. However, even at low speeds, and with today’s electrical systems, minor accidents, such as a rear-end collision, can still cause damage. Car damage from a low-impact accident could include:
- Misalignments in the frame, causing handling and safety issues
- Damage to the shocks, struts, and control arms, affects tire wear and stability
- Electrical malfunctions due to damaged connections and sensors
- Internal engine damage that may not appear for some time
Many modern bumpers are designed to “bounce back,” concealing internal issues beneath the surface. Damage to backup sensors, cameras, or radar systems may not be immediately apparent, but it can significantly impact safety features.
In luxury or electric vehicles, even a minor bump can damage battery housings or drivetrain components. These repairs can be costly, and insurance may deny the claim without timely documentation.
Legal Requirement to Report Accidents
In addition to protecting your health and property, you also have a legal duty to report the incident. UnderFlorida Statutes § 316.065, any accident that results in injury, death, or $500 of property damage must be reported to the police.
If you were injured, even in the smallest way, or there was any impact upon the safe operation of your vehicle, you will need to have that police report generated and filed.
Failing to report an accident can not only lead to fines but also weaken your legal position if you later experience symptoms or mechanical failure. The absence of a police report may raise red flags when filing an insurance claim.
Law enforcement can also help gather unbiased documentation about the accident, including diagrams, witness statements, and road conditions. This can become critical if the other party later disputes the events that occurred.
The Insurance Company Could Deny Your Claim
There are many pitfalls that could cost you compensation when filing an insurance claim. Though Florida is a no-fault state, and yourpersonal injury protection (PIP) policy will cover your medical bills, you must see a doctor within 14 days of the accident or the insurance company could deny your claim.
Missing any documentation, such as the police report, could lead to the insurance company devaluing or denying your claim. AFort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer, though, can ensure your claim is filed with the necessary supporting evidence.
Insurance adjusters often argue that the absence of visible damage indicates the accident was too minor to have caused injury. Medical evidence, vehicle diagnostics, and eyewitness accounts help counter this tactic.
If another driver caused the accident and you meet the serious injury threshold underFlorida Statutes § 627.737, you may be entitled to pursue a liability claim for pain and suffering and other damages. Your attorney can help demonstrate how even a low-speed crash led to significant long-term effects.
Delayed Repairs Can Jeopardize Future Safety
Postponing inspection or repairs after a seemingly minor crash could lead to dangerous mechanical issues down the road. Misalignment might worsen over time, leading to tire blowouts or steering instability. Likewise, unaddressed sensor issues can affect your vehicle’s automatic emergency braking or collision warning systems.
If you are involved in another crash later and it is revealed that your prior damage contributed to the incident, your insurer may reduce coverage or even cancel your policy. Regular documentation and repair records are not just smart—they are necessary to protect yourself.
Choose a Legal Team That Delivers Results
At the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato, we understand that not every crash leaves visible scars. But injuries and losses can still be very real. Our Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys are prepared to fight for your right to proper compensation, even when insurance companies try to downplay your case.
We’ve recovered:
- $3.85 million in a truck rollover case
- $5.25 million for a family in a truck-related wrongful death
- $925,000 in a negligent security claim
Our legal team works with medical professionals, accident reconstruction experts, and insurance consultants to strengthen your claim. We ensure you are not left footing the bill for injuries or repairs that should have been covered.
We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we successfully resolve your case. Your consultation is complimentary, and we are ready to begin reviewing your case immediately.
Don’t Ignore Your Car Accident
Call the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato at (954) 633-8270 for a free case review. Our Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys can help you file a claim or fight a denial.