Ryan Bradley | April 12, 2025 | Car Accident
The insurance industry has mislead the general public for decades about minor car accidents. They claim if there is no property damage to the car, the occupant could not have been hurt. Science refutes this nonsensical and unsupported proposition. While some fender-benders are nothing more than a simple inconvenience, others can cause significant injuries. So, do you really need a lawyer? It depends on a few key factors.
What counts as a “minor car accident”?
Typically, a minor car accident involves low-speed collisions, little to no visible vehicle damage, and no immediately obvious injuries or delayed injuries. Delayed injuries mean any injury that does not appear within 48 hours of a crash.
A minor car accident usually involves low-speed impacts with little visible vehicle damage and no obvious injuries at the scene. Common scenarios include:
- Rear-end collisions in stop-and-go traffic;
- Parking lot bumps; and
- Sideswipes at low speeds
It may seem straightforward, but these accidents can have hidden complications that surface days or even weeks later.
Why insurance companies love minor accidents
Insurance companies downplay the seriousness of minor car accidents to avoid paying. They prey upon car accident victims by offering a fast settlement before you’ve even seen a doctor. That quick money might feel like a win until you realize you are still in pain and need further medical treatment. But, you signed the release and cashed the devil’s check. So now, guess what? You are done. You can’t come back and get the insruance company to pay for any further treatment. That can leave you saddled with tens of thousands of dollars in debt and lost wages.
Here’s what you risk without a lawyer:
- Getting blamed for the accident (even partially) [which can diminish your recovery for comparative fault]
- Accepting a lowball settlement from the adjuster
- Losing the right to future compensation
- Losing access to future medical care
- Not documenting injuries or vehicle damage correctly
When should you hire a lawyer after a minor accident?
It’s always worth consulting an experienced car accident lawyer if:
- You begin to feel pain within 48 hours of the crash
- Your property damage is more than a few hundred dollars
- The other driver’s story changes
- The insurance company unfairly delays or disputes your claim
- You’re offered a quick settlement right after the crash
At Bradley Law, we’ve seen countless clients who thought they didn’t need help — until it was too late. Many of them came to us after being pressured by insurers or realizing too late that they were more injured than they thought. In some cases, we were able to set aside the release and still help the client. In other cases, it was too little, too late.
Real-world example
Take the case of a Missouri driver who was rear-ended at 15 mph. His airbags did not deploy and he felt “fine” at the scene. Three days later, he couldn’t turn his neck because it was so stiff. After weeks of physical therapy, MRIs revealed a bulging disc that required injections and time off work. The insurance company initially offered $1,500. After hiring a lawyer, his case settled for over $40,000.
This is why you talk with an experienced car accident lawyer — not because you’re being greedy, but because the system is stacked against you.
What does it cost to talk to a lawyer?
Nothing. At Bradley Law, consultations are 100% free, even for minor car accidents. If you don’t have a case, we will tell you that and charge you nothing. But, if you do have a case and you want our help, we never get paid unless we secure a win for you. That means there is zero risk to you in hiring Bradley Law.
Final thoughts
Don’t let the word “minor” fool you. The pain, the bills, and the stress that follow a small crash can be anything but. If there’s any doubt about fault, injury, or the value of your case, don’t guess — call a lawyer.
At Bradley Law, we help injury victims across Missouri and Illinois get the justice and compensation they deserve. If you’ve been in a minor car accident let us help.
Call now or request your free consultation online.