How can a FENDER BENDER cause $150,000 in damages?

The simple answer is – it’s all in the body! When a car is in a collision, the human body reacts to the impact in various ways – mostly depending upon the force and type of collision. Unfortunately some bodies cannot absorb an accident as well as others. If one were to replicate a simple ‘t-bone’ type car wreck using an 85 year old woman (and) a 21 year old varsity football player, the 20 year-old may walk away unscathed… while the senior citizen could be hospitalized with fractures or even worse - may not even survive. Even with today’s innovative designs and safety features, people unfortunately are killed or seriously injured everyday due to negligent driving decisions.

About a year ago, I was consulted by a 58 year old woman who was involved in what seemed to be a ‘minor’ car wreck. A car driven by an inexperienced driver was trying to improperly pass my client and crashed into her car. I say this seemed to be a ‘minor’ wreck, because the property damage to the vehicle was only about $400.00.

Early on, it seemed as though this claim was just a classic ‘fender bender’ with the possibility of minor physical injuries to my client. I advised her to seek the advice of her own physician as she was experiencing pain to her neck which began to radiate down her arms and back. It was clear my client did not feel the same as she did prior to this wreck. There was something not right in her neck. At first, it seemed like a classic case of whiplash – however, her MRI results told a different story.

As with all car accident injury cases, I rely on the physician diagnosis and reports to tell the story of the injuries. In this particular case, my client saw her doctor and was then referred to numerous specialists; there it was determined that she had incurred TWO bulging disks in her neck from this wreck. The pain continued – and as you can imagine - the medical bills started to mount. First, conservative treatment was tried – physical therapy; When the physical therapy didn’t work, the neurologist ordered steroid shot injections; When the pain did not subside after two rounds of injections – spinal surgery was the only option. Nearly two years of complicated medical treatment, procedures, and a neck surgery, my client finally got back to feeling healthy again. Luckily for my client, she had personal medical coverage to help defray the costs of all these procedures – however, when the auto insurance company for the party of the inexperienced driver denied the liability claim, my firm had no option but to file a lawsuit and enter the litigation phase – which lasted approximately 6 months. An insurance settlement was finally reached which was appropriate for this type of wreck and damages.

I tell this story to inform the general public that just because you incur (what is believed to be) a ‘small’ wreck – that does not mean that your bodily injuries may be small or insignificant. Don’t let insurance companies dictate what ‘should be’ wrong with you. ALL BODIES are different and EVERY BODY deserves to heal in its own individual treatment. I hear the classic argument(s) from automobile insurance companies all the time – For example: “This wreck could not have caused these injuries…” That is where the medical reports and physician n testimony must come in as evidence.

The human body is extremely delicate and complex. Forceful jerks to our necks and spine can cause irreparable harm that can cause lifetime pain. If you are ever in an automobile wreck and feel like you have been injured, always follow these simple rules:

Call the police at the scene so that a report can be made;
  • If you suspect the negligent driver has been drinking or is on drugs, tell the police officer immediately;
  • Take photos at the scene if you have a camera handy; take photos of your property damage;
  • Seek immediate medical treatment at a facility you trust; If you need an ambulance at the scene don’t be afraid to ask the officer to call one for you.
  • Do not give any statements to insurance companies unless you have consulted legal counsel first; these statements are usually confusing and are recorded which can be used against you later on if there is a deposition or trial;
  • Keep a record of all your medical bills, receipts, and photos to properly document your claim.
  • If your children were in the car at the time of the wreck – have them immediately checked out by a physician as they sometimes cannot communicate what is hurting them. Always follow your physician’s orders!


Gregg S. Harrison is a local Attorney in the Northwest area. Having represented hundreds of clients in the Greater Houston Area over the past 8 years, Gregg Harrison offers FREE INITIAL CONSULTATIONS on all legal issues. Gregg has negotiated settlements and/or obtained verdicts from $1,000 to over $1,500,000. Gregg can be reached anytime at 832-797-7600; Email: gharrisonlaw@yahoo.com. Visit Gregg Harrison’s website: www.greggharrison.com for more details.