{"id":73984,"date":"2026-10-14T18:45:09","date_gmt":"2026-10-14T18:45:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/car-accident-settlements-florida\/what-does-a-minor-car-accident-mean\/"},"modified":"2026-10-16T15:08:05","modified_gmt":"2026-10-16T15:08:05","slug":"what-does-a-minor-car-accident-mean","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/car-accident-settlements-florida\/what-does-a-minor-car-accident-mean\/","title":{"rendered":"What Does a Minor Car Accident Mean?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull is-dark chg-hero\" style=\"min-height:460px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-70 has-background-dim wp-block-cover__gradient-background has-background-gradient\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(32,36,46,1) 0%,rgba(32,36,46,1) 55%,rgba(32,36,46,0.7) 100%)\"><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background\" alt=\"A damaged passenger car with deployed airbags after a crash, photographed from a safe distance.\n\nThe stock description says &amp;quot;serious car accident,&amp;quot; which may conflict with a page about minor accidents, so I left out severity. If the photo shows a minor crash, you could add &amp;quot;minor&amp;quot; to match the page.\" src=\"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/a-damaged-passenger-car-with-deployed-airbags-after-a-crash-photo.jpg\"\/><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"chg-eyebrow has-base-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Igor Hernandez, CHG Lawyers | Coral Gables, Florida<\/p><h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\" style=\"text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">What Does a Minor Car Accident Mean for You?<\/h1><p class=\"has-base-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.625), 1.25rem);text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">A low-speed crash can still leave you hurt, and the first steps you take matter. Here is what the term means, why a medical evaluation matters, and how Florida personal injury law may come into play.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+17867514283\">Contact our Florida team. CHG charges no attorney&#x27;s fees and no case costs unless there is a recovery.<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/contact-us\/\">Contact our Florida team. CHG charges no attorney&#x27;s fees and no case costs unless there is a recovery.<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<article lang=\"en\">\n\n<h2>What Does a Minor Car Accident Mean in Florida?<\/h2>\n<p>By Igor Hernandez, CHG Personal Injury Lawyers, Coral Gables, Florida<\/p>\n<p>A crash can look minor to the people standing beside it and still leave someone hurt. This guide explains what the phrase means and how Florida&#8217;s rules may apply. Whether any of those rules apply to your crash depends on its facts.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"cta-dose-mid wp-block-group has-base-color has-accent-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--accent,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\">Not sure what your next step is?<\/h3><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+17867514283\">Call us<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/contact-us\/\">Contact us<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/two-damaged-vans-after-collision-on-grass-photo-12.jpg\" alt=\"Two damaged vans sit parked on a grassy field in Toyokawa, Japan.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>What &#8220;Minor&#8221; Describes<\/h2>\n<p>People use &#8220;minor&#8221; for a low-speed crash with little visible damage and no serious injury obvious at the scene. The phrase describes how the crash looked. It does not tell you whether anyone was hurt.<\/p>\n<p>People commonly use the phrase for a fender bender, a small bump in a parking lot, or a tap in slow traffic. Symptoms after a crash can vary from person to person, even when the vehicles appear to have sustained little damage. Whether an injury is related to the crash depends on each person&#8217;s medical evaluation.<\/p>\n<h2>Common Examples People Call Minor<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>A rear-end collision in stop-and-go traffic<\/li>\n<li>A car that backs into another car in a parking lot<\/li>\n<li>A low-speed side contact at a driveway or intersection<\/li>\n<li>A scuffed bumper on a car that can still be driven<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A driver or passenger may feel fine at the scene. Anyone who notices symptoms after a crash should tell their doctor about every symptom, because medical causation depends on each person&#8217;s medical records. Tell a doctor about any new symptom, and follow your doctor&#8217;s care plan.<\/p>\n<h2>How Florida Law May Apply<\/h2>\n<p>Several Florida rules may apply to a car crash. Which ones apply, and how they work, depends on the facts of each case.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Personal Injury Protection (PIP).<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0600-0699\/0627\/Sections\/0627.736.html\">Section 627.736<\/a> of the Florida Statutes sets PIP requirements for policies that meet the state&#8217;s security rules. Florida&#8217;s no-fault (PIP) law, Section 627.736(1), Florida Statutes, generally provides personal injury protection benefits of up to $10,000, subject to the policy and the statute&#8217;s conditions. Under Section 627.736(1)(a), medical benefits up to that amount generally require a finding of an emergency medical condition by a Florida-licensed physician, osteopathic physician, dentist, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse; without that finding, medical benefits are generally limited to $2,500. Disability benefits are not conditioned on that finding. Otherwise, medical benefits are generally limited to $2,500. Death benefits are generally up to $5,000. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0600-0699\/0627\/Sections\/0627.736.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 627.736<\/a>, medical benefits under personal injury protection are eighty percent of all reasonable expenses for medically necessary medical, surgical, X-ray, dental, and rehabilitative services, including prosthetic devices and medically necessary ambulance, hospital, and nursing services, if the individual receives initial services and care as the statute requires. An insurer may require written notice as soon as practicable after an accident. Benefits received under any workers&#8217; compensation law must be credited against PIP benefits.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tort exemption and the permanency threshold.<\/strong> Under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0600-0699\/0627\/Sections\/0627.737.html\">\u00a7 627.737(1)<\/a>, owners and operators of vehicles with required security are generally exempt from tort liability for bodily injury to the extent PIP benefits are payable. That exemption does not apply if the injured person may bring a claim for pain, suffering, mental anguish, and inconvenience under subsection (2).<\/p>\n<p>Under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0600-0699\/0627\/Sections\/0627.737.html\">\u00a7 627.737<\/a>, that claim is available only in the event that the injury or disease consists in whole or in part of:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function<\/li>\n<li>Permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability, other than scarring or disfigurement<\/li>\n<li>Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement<\/li>\n<li>Death<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Whether the threshold is met depends on the medical evidence, the facts, and how Florida law applies.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Early motion practice.<\/strong> Under \u00a7 627.737(3), a defendant may file a motion questioning whether the plaintiff meets subsection (2). The court then examines the pleadings and evidence, one time only, 30 days before the trial or pretrial hearing, whichever comes first. If the court finds the plaintiff cannot submit evidence of meeting the requirements, the court shall dismiss the claim without prejudice.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Comparative fault.<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0700-0799\/0768\/Sections\/0768.81.html\">Section 768.81<\/a> is Florida&#8217;s comparative fault statute. For causes of action filed after March 24, 2023, \u00a7 768.81(6), Florida Statutes, generally bars recovery by a claimant found more than 50% at fault, subject to exceptions such as medical negligence claims. Under \u00a7 768.81, fault is apportioned among the people who contributed to an accident, and a claimant&#8217;s own percentage of fault may reduce the recovery available.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Claims involving the other driver&#8217;s insurer.<\/strong> Filing an insurance claim is a separate step from filing a lawsuit. Whether and how that happens depends on the facts and on applicable Florida law.<\/p>\n<p>Each case differs, and no outcome can be predicted or guaranteed.<\/p>\n<h2>Records to Keep After Any Crash<\/h2>\n<p>Keep these records after any crash, whether it looked minor or not:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Photos of the vehicles, the scene, and road conditions<\/li>\n<li>The other driver&#8217;s name, contact details, insurer, and policy information<\/li>\n<li>Names and contact details of any witnesses<\/li>\n<li>Medical bills, visit notes, and prescriptions<\/li>\n<li>A dated log of new symptoms and how they affect daily life<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Sworn insurance disclosure.<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0600-0699\/0627\/Sections\/0627.4137.html\">Section 627.4137<\/a> generally requires a liability insurer, within 30 days of a claimant&#8217;s written request, to provide a statement under oath. The statement covers the insurer&#8217;s name, each insured&#8217;s name, the policy limits, any policy or coverage defense the insurer reasonably believes is available, and a copy of the policy. A claimant is the person making the claim. The statute has conditions, so confirm how it applies to your situation.<\/p>\n<p>Missed appointments can leave medical records incomplete, and incomplete records may matter later. A diagnosis or a symptom does not, by itself, establish a claim. Treating doctors&#8217; records, the history given at visits, and the treatment plan may be relevant to showing what happened, depending on the facts.<\/p>\n<h2>Time Limits and Notice Steps<\/h2>\n<p>Florida law sets filing deadlines for claims. How a deadline applies depends on the type of claim, when it arose, the facts of the case, and any exceptions. Other notice steps may also apply, including steps tied to PIP benefits. Do not assume a crash is too minor to matter. A missed deadline or notice step can affect a claim, depending on the facts and the governing rules.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"cta-dose-mid wp-block-group has-base-color has-accent-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--accent,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\">Not sure what your next step is?<\/h3><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+17867514283\">Call us<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/contact-us\/\">Contact us<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/damaged-vehicles-on-a-forest-road-after-collision-photo-5.jpg\" alt=\"Damaged vehicles sit in a forested area in Kyiv after a road accident.\n\nNote: the photo shows Kyiv, not Florida, so readers may find it mismatched with an article about Florida law. A Florida-location photo would fit the topic better.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>Talk With CHG Personal Injury Lawyers About Your Crash<\/h2>\n<p>You may be looking at a crash involving a parent, a spouse, or yourself. This page cannot tell you whether follow-up care or a claim is right for your situation. A conversation about your facts can help clarify your next step.<\/p>\n<p>Igor Hernandez is admitted to practice in Florida as a member of The Florida Bar. Our team supports the firm&#8217;s daily work in Coral Gables and across Florida.<\/p>\n<p>For a broader overview, read our guide to <a href=\"\/resources\/car-accident-settlements-florida\/\">car accidents<\/a> in Florida.<\/p>\n<p>CHG charges no attorney&#8217;s fees and no case costs unless there is a recovery.<\/p>\n<h3>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h3><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Is a minor car accident serious?<\/summary><p>Whether a low-speed crash causes injury depends on the person and their medical evaluation. A medical evaluation is how to find out what, if anything, is wrong.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Do I have to report a minor car accident in Florida?<\/summary><p>Reporting rules depend on the facts of the crash. Confirm current <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flhsmv.gov\/insurance\/involved-in-a-crash\/\">Florida crash-reporting requirements<\/a> for your situation.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How long do I have to file a claim?<\/summary><p>Florida law sets filing deadlines. They depend on the type of claim, the facts of the case, and any exceptions. Contact the firm promptly to discuss the timing in your situation.<\/p>\n<p>If a crash that looked minor has left you or someone you love with questions about injuries or insurance, <a href=\"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/contact-us\/\">contact CHG Personal Injury Lawyers<\/a>. CHG charges no attorney&#8217;s fees and no case costs unless there is a recovery.<\/p><\/details><\/article>\n<footer class=\"disclaimer\"><em>This is attorney advertising. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome, and contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. Cornish Hernandez Gonzalez, PLLC, 2525 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Suite 300, Coral Gables, FL 33134.<\/em><\/footer>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-583d630a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Steps to consider after a minor crash<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Get a medical evaluation<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some injuries are not obvious right away. A doctor can examine you and explain what, if anything, is wrong. Follow your doctors&#x27; care.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Keep your records<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Save crash reports, photos, repair estimates, medical bills, and notes about how you feel each day. These records may matter later, depending on the facts of your case.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Understand Florida insurance rules<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Florida&#x27;s personal injury protection (PIP) rules may apply to injuries from a car crash. How they apply depends on the facts of the crash and on your own policy.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Speak with a lawyer before giving statements<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Insurance adjusters may ask for recorded statements. Talking with a Florida attorney first can help you understand what to say and what to avoid.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-color has-accent-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--accent,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\">Do not assume a small crash means no injury<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A minor crash does not always mean a minor injury, and damage to a car does not tell you how a person is hurt. Whether a crash caused an injury depends on the facts and on your medical records. If you feel pain, stiffness, or other changes after a crash, see a doctor promptly.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+17867514283\">Speak with CHG about your situation. CHG charges no attorney&#x27;s fees and no case costs unless there is a recovery.<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/contact-us\/\">Speak with CHG about your situation. CHG charges no attorney&#x27;s fees and no case costs unless there is a recovery.<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-surface-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-583d630a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Questions people ask after a minor crash<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is a minor accident serious?<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether a low-speed crash causes injury depends on the person and their medical evaluation. Only a doctor can tell you what, if anything, is wrong.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do I have to report it in Florida?<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Confirm current Florida crash-reporting requirements for your situation.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I still have a claim?<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether a claim exists depends on the facts, your medical records, and the applicable Florida law. Comparative fault may also affect any recovery.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should I do first?<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check for injuries, seek medical care, keep your records, and consider speaking with a Florida personal injury lawyer before you sign anything.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-base-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4d466591 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--primary,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-base-color has-text-color\">Talk with a Florida personal injury team about your crash<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-0aa01211 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+17867514283\">Call CHG Personal Injury Lawyers. CHG charges no attorney&#x27;s fees and no case costs unless there is a recovery.<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/contact-us\/\">Call CHG Personal Injury Lawyers. CHG charges no attorney&#x27;s fees and no case costs unless there is a recovery.<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<!-- chg:section-siblings -->\n<nav aria-label=\"More in this section\">\n<h2>More in this section<\/h2>\n<ul><li><a href=\"\/resources\/car-accident-settlements-florida\/what-happened-in-the-motorcycle-accident-near-tampa-florida\/\">What happened in the motorcycle accident near Tampa, Florida?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/car-accident-settlements-florida\/what-happened-on-the-5-freeway-today-in-san-diego\/\">What happened on the 5 freeway today in San Diego?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/car-accident-settlements-florida\/what-happened-on-the-garden-state-parkway-today\/\">What happened on the Garden State Parkway today?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/car-accident-settlements-florida\/what-happens-if-you-don-t-report-an-accident-within-24-hours-in-florida\/\">What happens if you don&#x27;t report an accident within 24 hours in Florida?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/car-accident-settlements-florida\/what-injury-pays-the-most-in-a-car-accident-settlement\/\">What injury pays the most in a car accident settlement?<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<!-- \/chg:section-siblings -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What does a minor car accident mean? Learn how Florida rules, insurance steps and deadlines may apply after a low-speed crash.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":39266,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"chg_review":"","chg_sendback":"","chg_canonical":"","chg_lang":"","chg_hreflang":"[{\"hreflang\": \"en\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/car-accident-settlements-florida\/what-does-a-minor-car-accident-mean\/\"}, {\"hreflang\": \"es\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/es\/liquidacion-accidentes-autos-florida\/que-significa-accidente-auto-leve\/\"}, {\"hreflang\": \"x-default\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/car-accident-settlements-florida\/what-does-a-minor-car-accident-mean\/\"}]","chg_jsonld":"[{\"about\": [{\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Personal injury\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Personal_injury\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Statute of limitations\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Statute_of_limitations\"}], \"author\": {\"name\": \"Igor Hernandez\", \"@type\": \"Person\", \"worksFor\": {\"@id\": \"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/#organization\"}, \"url\": \"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/our-firm\/\", \"jobTitle\": \"Attorney\", \"sameAs\": [\"https:\/\/www.floridabar.org\/directories\/find-mbr\/profile\/?num=106386\", \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/igorh\/\", \"https:\/\/profiles.superlawyers.com\/florida\/miami\/lawyer\/igor-hernandez\/cd5f52fd-6cf1-4c47-8c6e-5e8f339a380d.html\"]}, \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"headline\": \"What Does a Minor Car Accident Mean?\", \"isPartOf\": {\"@id\": \"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/#organization\"}, \"publisher\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/#organization\", \"name\": \"CHG Personal Injury Lawyers\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/\"}, \"speakable\": {\"@type\": \"SpeakableSpecification\", \"cssSelector\": [\"article > p:first-of-type\", \".wp-block-details p\", \"article > h1\"]}, \"inLanguage\": \"en-US\", \"description\": \"Explains what the term 'minor car accident' describes, how Florida rules, insurance steps, and deadlines may apply after a low-speed crash, and why a crash's appearance does not show whether anyone was hurt.\", \"spatialCoverage\": {\"name\": \"Florida, United States\", \"@type\": \"Place\"}, \"mentions\": [{\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Comparative negligence\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Comparative_negligence\"}], \"reviewedBy\": {\"@type\": \"Person\", \"name\": \"Igor Hernandez\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/our-firm\/\", \"jobTitle\": \"Attorney\", \"sameAs\": [\"https:\/\/www.floridabar.org\/directories\/find-mbr\/profile\/?num=106386\", \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/igorh\/\", \"https:\/\/profiles.superlawyers.com\/florida\/miami\/lawyer\/igor-hernandez\/cd5f52fd-6cf1-4c47-8c6e-5e8f339a380d.html\"]}, \"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Is a minor car accident serious?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Whether a low-speed crash causes injury depends on the person and their medical evaluation. A medical evaluation is how to find out what, if anything, is wrong.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Do I have to report a minor car accident in Florida?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Reporting rules depend on the facts of the crash. Confirm current Florida crash-reporting requirements for your situation.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How long do I have to file a claim?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Florida law sets filing deadlines. They depend on the type of claim, the facts of the case, and any exceptions. Contact the firm promptly to discuss the timing in your situation. If a crash that looked minor has left you or someone you love with questions about injuries or insurance, contact CHG Personal Injury Lawyers. CHG charges no attorney's fees and no case costs unless there is a recovery.\"}}], \"@type\": [\"Article\", \"FAQPage\"], \"image\": \"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/a-damaged-passenger-car-with-deployed-airbags-after-a-crash-photo.jpg\"}, {\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"@type\": \"BreadcrumbList\", \"itemListElement\": [{\"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 1, \"name\": \"Home\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/\"}, {\"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 2, \"name\": \"Car Accident Settlements Florida\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/car-accident-settlements-florida\/\"}, {\"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 3, \"name\": \"What Does a Minor Car Accident Mean?\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/car-accident-settlements-florida\/what-does-a-minor-car-accident-mean\/\"}]}]","chg_meta_description":"What does a minor car accident mean? Learn how Florida rules, insurance steps and deadlines may apply after a low-speed crash.","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-73984","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/73984","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=73984"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/73984\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":75324,"href":"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/73984\/revisions\/75324"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/39266"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=73984"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}