Minor car accidents can cause major problems. From whiplash to rising medical bills and insurance hassles, even a low-speed collision can disrupt your life. At Deldar Legal, we have a fender bender lawyer who can help you today. It’s surprising how quickly these “small” accidents can be troublesome. We understand the importance of having the right legal help on your side to guide you through it. You need somebody to protect your rights, deal with the insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve!

What is a Fender Bender?

A fender bender is a low-impact collision typically happening at slower speeds under 25 mph. While this may not seem like a dangerous situation that can cause injuries, these types of accidents are incredibly common and put people in the hospital. Even if the damage to your car looks minor, the consequences can add up quickly. These accidents usually occur in:

  • Parking lots
  • Stop-and-go traffic
  • Intersections
  • Residential neighborhoods

It’s easy to assume fault or brush off the incident in these scenarios. But liability isn’t always clear, and injuries may not appear right away. That’s why it’s important to document the crash and consult with a fender bender lawyer to protect your rights. More than likely, the at-fault driver was driving distracted, using their phone. In a National Safety Council (NSC) public opinion poll, 66% of drivers say they make phone calls in the car while driving through parking lots.

Common Causes of Fender Benders

Fender benders can happen in the blink of an eye, especially when drivers are rushing, distracted, or simply not paying close attention to the road. While these low-speed crashes seem harmless, there are consequences. Even at reduced speeds, injuries happen, and someone is to blame. Knowing the leading causes of these accidents can help you avoid them, and your fender bender lawyer will help you prove liability. The most frequent causes include:

  • Distracted driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting the GPS fail to notice changes in traffic.
  • Tailgating: When a driver follows too closely and doesn’t leave enough room to brake safely, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
  • Sudden stops: Slamming on the brakes without warning can result in a rear-end collision if the following vehicle can’t react in time.
  • Backing up improperly: Drivers who reverse out of parking spots without checking their surroundings frequently strike oncoming vehicles or pedestrians.
  • Failure to yield: At stop signs, roundabouts, and intersections, failing to yield the right-of-way can cause collisions.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear-end crashes account for nearly one-third of all motor vehicle accidents in the U.S. The majority of these accidents happen at lower speeds in everyday driving situations. Weather conditions, vehicle malfunctions, and poor road design can also contribute to fender benders. However, human error remains the number one factor. Many drivers assume that low-speed crashes aren’t serious, which can lead to complacency and careless driving habits.

Injuries in Low-Impact Accidents

While vehicles may only show a scratch or dent, your body can absorb the full force of the impact. Your spine, neck, and brain are especially vulnerable to the sudden jolt of a low-speed crash. The energy from the collision travels through your body, straining muscles and tendons, shifting vertebrae, or triggering inflammation. Injuries we often see in fender bender cases include:

  • Whiplash
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Concussions
  • Mild traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  • Back and neck pain
  • Shoulder and joint injuries
  • Chronic headaches

Soft tissue injuries and whiplash can be incredibly deceptive. You might walk away from the crash feeling fine, only to wake up the next morning unable to turn your head. Concussions and TBIs are also a concern, especially when the head snaps forward abruptly or strikes a hard surface like a steering wheel or headrest. Even in the absence of direct trauma, the brain can shift inside the skull, leading to cognitive issues, dizziness, or visual disturbances. As reported by the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of mild TBIs are frequently delayed and may go unnoticed without a medical evaluation.

Muscle spasms, joint stiffness, and pinched nerves develop in the shoulders, back, and hips. Over time, these seemingly minor issues can escalate into chronic pain, requiring physical therapy, chiropractic care, or even surgery. That’s why seeking medical attention after any crash. A fender bender lawyer will make sure your injuries are properly documented and connected to the accident, giving you a strong foundation for your claim and a better chance at full recovery.

How Fender Bender Claims Work in California

California follows a fault-based system for car accident claims. That means the driver who caused the accident is financially responsible for the damages. Here’s how the legal process usually works:

Establishing Liability

To win a fender bender case, your lawyer must prove that the other party acted negligently and that their actions directly caused your injuries. This step is critical because California follows a comparative fault system, which means your compensation can be reduced if you’re found partially at fault. The goal is to build a compelling case that clearly establishes the other driver’s liability using multiple forms of evidence. We do this through:

  • Police reports
  • Eyewitness statements
  • Surveillance and dashcam footage
  • Medical records
  • Crash analysis

In many cases, liability may seem obvious. However, insurance companies will try to dispute or minimize fault, especially in low-speed collisions. That’s why gathering evidence quickly is so important. The sooner you involve a fender bender lawyer, the faster they can begin preserving critical documentation. Even small details, such as phone records or vehicle maintenance logs, can make a difference in supporting your claim. With a well-organized and aggressive legal strategy, your lawyer can counter low settlement offers and push for the full compensation you’re entitled to receive.

Filing a Personal Injury Claim

Once your lawyer establishes who was at fault, the next step is filing a personal injury claim. This is your formal request for compensation, and it includes everything from your medical bills to the emotional toll the crash has taken on your life. Filing the right claim with the right insurer is critical to avoid delays or outright denials. You can file a claim with:

Medical payments coverage, known as MedPay, helps cover medical bills for you and your passengers regardless of fault, and uninsured motorist coverage kicks in if the other driver has no insurance or not enough to pay for your damages. Filing a claim may seem straightforward, but it often involves complex documentation, strict deadlines, and frustrating back-and-forth communication with insurance adjusters.

An experienced fender bender lawyer will take that burden off your plate. We handle all the paperwork, communicate with the insurance companies on your behalf, and make sure your claim is complete, accurate, and filed on time. This includes compiling your medical records, accident reports, wage loss verification, and more. Your lawyer can also advise whether to accept a settlement or take your case further if negotiations stall.

Calculating Damages

Damages in a fender bender claim may include more than just the cost of fixing your car. Many clients underestimate the total losses they suffer after even a low-speed crash. Damages in a fender bender claim may include:

  • Medical bills (current and future)
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Physical therapy
  • Chiropractic care
  • Out-of-pocket expenses

Medical bills extend beyond any emergency room or hospital visit. You may need follow-up care, specialist visits, medications, or rehabilitation. Physical therapy and chiropractic care are frequently necessary for whiplash, back pain, or joint stiffness following a fender bender. These sessions are crucial to long-term recovery but are not always covered by basic health insurance.

Additionally, out-of-pocket costs like transportation to doctor visits, medical devices, and over-the-counter medication can all be included in your claim. By documenting these damages thoroughly, your attorney can build a strong case for full financial recovery. A comprehensive claim doesn’t just account for what’s visible on the surface. It anticipates long-term consequences and facilitates a strong plan for your future well-being.

Why You Need a Fender Bender Lawyer

Under California law, you have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury claim (California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1). If your case involves a government vehicle or agency, that window shrinks to six months. Waiting too long can mean losing your right to seek compensation altogether. That’s where Deldar Legal steps in. We provide compassionate, knowledgeable representation backed by years of courtroom experience.

Beyond deadlines, the real impact of a fender bender lies beneath the surface. Many of our clients suffer from lingering back or neck pain, limited mobility, or post-concussion symptoms that weren’t obvious at first. The emotional effects, like anxiety behind the wheel or difficulty sleeping, can be just as serious. Add in lost income and ongoing treatment costs, and what seems like a small crash quickly turns into a major financial and physical burden.

Hiring a Fender Bender Lawyer

Don’t let a minor accident cause major stress. Deldar Legal is ready to stand up for your rights, guide you through the legal process, and help you get the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (844) 335-3271 for a free consultation with a fender bender lawyer. If you prefer to get started online, fill out a contact form and tell us what happened.

We don’t charge any upfront fees, and we stay available to our clients 24/7. You’ll always know where your case stands, and you’ll never face an insurance company alone. If a fair settlement can’t be reached, we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial. Choosing the right fender bender lawyer means choosing peace of mind. Deldar Legal is here to fight for your future because even minor accidents deserve serious legal protection.

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