Fender Bender? Don’t Let a Minor Crash Cause Major Problems.

Even a low-speed collision can leave you with unexpected medical bills, insurance headaches, and lingering injuries. What seems like a “minor accident” can quickly spiral into something much more serious. At Hillstone Law, our experienced fender bender attorneys are here to protect your rights, guide you through the claims process, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

What Is a Fender Bender?

A fender bender is typically a low-impact crash—often occurring at speeds under 25 mph—but the consequences can still be significant. These accidents frequently happen in:

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

While the damage to your car may look minor, your body can suffer serious injuries. And because fault isn’t always immediately clear, it’s important to document everything and speak with a qualified attorney. In many cases, the other driver was distracted—often using their phone. According to the National Safety Council, 66% of drivers admit to making phone calls while driving in parking lots.

Common Causes of Fender Benders

Even at low speeds, crashes can cause injuries—and someone is usually at fault. Some of the most common causes of fender benders include:

  • Distracted driving (texting, calls, eating, adjusting GPS)
  • Tailgating (following too closely)
  • Sudden stops
  • Improper backing out of parking spaces
  • Failure to yield at intersections and roundabouts

According to NHTSA, nearly one-third of all car crashes in the U.S. are rear-end collisions—many happening at low speeds. Even so, drivers often underestimate the impact of these crashes and fail to take them seriously.

Injuries From Low-Impact Crashes

Your vehicle may show just a dent—but your body can suffer internal trauma. In fact, the sudden jolt of a fender bender can affect your neck, spine, and brain, leading to injuries like:

  • Whiplash
  • Soft tissue strains
  • Concussions or mild TBIs
  • Shoulder, back, and neck pain
  • Joint stiffness and chronic headaches

These injuries are often delayed—what feels like a sore neck today may become debilitating pain tomorrow. At Hillstone Law, we make sure your injuries are fully documented and directly linked to the accident to build the strongest possible claim.

Understanding Fender Bender Claims in California

California uses a fault-based system, which means the at-fault driver is financially responsible for damages. However, comparative fault laws may reduce your compensation if you’re found partially at fault—making it crucial to build a clear and well-supported case.

We gather key evidence, including:

  • Police reports
  • Witness statements
  • Medical records
  • Surveillance or dashcam footage
  • Phone and vehicle records

The earlier you contact us, the faster we can begin preserving important evidence and protecting your rights.

Filing a Personal Injury Claim

Once we establish fault, we file a personal injury claim with the appropriate insurance company—either the at-fault driver’s or your own (under MedPay or uninsured motorist coverage). Our legal team handles all the documentation and communication, ensuring your claim is timely, complete, and accurate.

What Damages Can You Recover?

Even minor accidents can bring significant losses. We fight to recover every dollar you’re owed, including:

  • Current and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages and lost earning potential
  • Pain and suffering
  • Chiropractic care and physical therapy
  • Out-of-pocket costs (transportation, medication, medical devices)

We help you build a complete claim that anticipates both immediate and long-term needs—not just surface-level damage.

Why You Need a Fender Bender Lawyer

In California, you typically have 2 years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury claim (or 6 months if a government vehicle is involved). Delaying action can put your entire case at risk.

At Hillstone Law, we’re committed to:

✅ Fast, responsive communication
✅ No upfront fees—we only get paid if we win
✅ Clear, compassionate guidance
✅ Trial-ready representation if needed

Many of our clients suffer from pain, anxiety, and financial pressure long after the crash. We’re here to carry the legal burden so you can focus on healing.

Call Hillstone Law Today

Even a small accident can cause serious problems. Don’t deal with the insurance company alone. Let Hillstone Law fight for your recovery. Our team is standing by to evaluate your case, answer your questions, and start building your claim.

📞 Call (310) 595-1222 now for a free consultation, or fill out our online form to get started.
We’re available 24/7—and we’re ready to protect your future.

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