Why Serious Injuries Can Still Occur in Low-Impact Auto Accidents
1 March 2025
Many people believe that if a car accident only results in minor damages to the vehicle, say $500, then the person involved couldn’t possibly be hurt. But that’s not always true, especially when pre-existing conditions are involved.
I remember one case in particular: the car damage was just $500, but the client had a known pre-existing condition—a bulging disc in his lower back. After the accident, an MRI confirmed that the injury had been aggravated. Because of his medical history and the new findings, we built a strong case and secured a significant settlement.
In this particular case, the client was a repeat client, so I already knew about his back issues. When he called our office after the accident, I immediately advised him to get checked out. He followed through, and the medical reports confirmed his pain was linked to the crash.
This wasn’t an isolated case, either. We’ve handled several similar situations where clients with pre-existing conditions suffered actual harm, even in low-impact accidents. Just because the crash wasn’t severe doesn’t mean the injuries aren’t serious.
Pre-existing conditions matter in low-impact cases. Even if the accident doesn’t seem severe, it can still cause significant pain and complications for someone with a prior injury.
At the Law Offices of Michelle Choe, we know how complicated personal injury cases can be, especially when pre-existing conditions are involved. Regardless of the accident's circumstances, we strive to ensure our clients get the money they deserve. If you or a loved one has pre-existing conditions and has been injured in an accident, don't be afraid to get in touch with us for a consultation.
As a divorce attorney, my role goes beyond handling legal filings. I strive to be an advocate for my clients. I want to listen to their stories and help them understand whether their struggles are emotional challenges that can be worked through or if divorce is truly the right decision. Sometimes, people want a divorce because their spouse doesn’t listen to them or comes home late. But in those cases, the issue may be communication, not an irreparable marriage. A conversation, effort, and understanding can go a long way in resolving those frustrations. However, when deeper issues arise—such as addiction, abuse, or betrayal—the situation changes. Many people come to me uncertain about whether they should file for divorce. They feel trapped, unable to see a way forward. Sometimes, I want to tell them outright: You deserve better. You deserve freedom and a life where you are valued and safe. But I also understand it’s a deeply personal decision; my role is to just listen, guide, support, and provide a realistic perspective when my clients ask for one. There’s a stark difference between minor frustrations and serious, toxic situations. A bad day in a marriage is not the same as enduring constant emotional or physical harm. A disagreement about household responsibilities is different from a spouse who repeatedly puts children in danger due to reckless behavior. Infidelity, financial irresponsibility, and neglect are real issues that can make a marriage unsustainable. Divorce is never an easy decision, but there is life on the other side of it. There is relief, renewal, and the chance to build a future free from dysfunction. My job is not just to prosecute a case but to listen, advocate, and help my clients see the possibilities ahead. I am here to support them throughout the process with legal knowledge and sincere concern, whether that means fighting for a just settlement or providing comfort during a trying time. If you face uncertainty about your marriage, know you don’t have to navigate it alone. The Law Offices of Michelle Choe are here to listen, advocate, and help you take the following steps toward the future you deserve.
Something I have noticed in my time as an attorney and a former paralegal is that many people, especially younger individuals, hesitate to file a claim after an accident. They worry about how it might affect their insurance premiums or those around them. Several clients tell me, ‘I don’t want to make a big deal out of it,’ or ‘I’ll be fine.’ But my job as an attorney is to focus on the real question: are you hurt, and if so, what can we do about that? If you are injured, then you need to get the proper treatment and compensation. I always remind my clients not to worry about other people or the insurance companies– they have plenty of money, and you are just one individual. Let's say you receive $10,000 as compensation, that ultimately isn't going to affect the insurance company. That's why taking note of your injuries right away is essential, as they can be far worse than when they first appear. Personal injuries are often caused by negligence, and you can lead to increased or long-term harm if you are negligent in handling them. It can be extremely costly and potentially life-threatening down the road, so I always focus on ensuring you get the correct treatment, no matter the cost. For example, I had a case with a woman who initially didn't want to exaggerate or make a big deal of her pain. She mentioned that her neck hurt but didn't think it was serious. After seeing her chiropractor, she was referred for an MRI, and the results were much worse than expected. It turned out that her injury was significant, and she was a candidate for surgery. She had no idea how severe the damage was. Even though her pain was real, she didn't realize the full extent of it until the MRI showed how bad it was. The orthopedist was shocked by the findings and emphasized the importance of getting treatment immediately. Thankfully, the other party had an extensive insurance policy, which made the case substantial. After the accident, she initially only wanted to get her car fixed. However, I was able to help her get the care she needed. Now, she's receiving the proper treatment, and I'm glad I could be there for her. This experience shows how important it is to focus on getting proper medical treatment and have the right legal support to help you get the compensation you deserve. At the end of the day, your health and well-being should always come first. Accidents happen unexpectedly, but the consequences can last a lifetime if not handled properly. If you're hurt, don't ignore it or brush it off—take action. Seek medical attention, be aware of your rights, and don't allow confusion or fear to prevent you from receiving the compensation you deserve. As an attorney, my job is to ensure that my clients are not only heard but protected. You don't have to go through this process by yourself. With the correct legal assistance, you can concentrate on getting better while we take care of the rest.
My path to becoming an attorney was different than most. To start, I worked as a paralegal for a long time, but I didn't have a clear goal in life or the legal field. While I was working at a law firm, I tried to explore several different career paths, some of which included becoming an insurance agent, translator, you name it, and I tried it. I earned multiple certifications, collecting them one after another, but nothing truly fulfilled me. I wanted something more significant, and I wanted to make a difference. However, I found myself enjoying working in the legal field. I took my role seriously at this job and genuinely wanted to help our clients. I spent an extensive number of hours listening to clients about their concerns and what they wanted out of the attorneys. One day, I spoke with a client to assist them, thinking I was doing something helpful. Still, I was reminded that, as a paralegal, there were limitations to what I could do. That moment made me realize that while I loved working in law, I wanted to do more. As a paralegal, every decision had to go through an attorney. However, I wanted to be able to take full responsibility for cases and make a real impact. That's when I knew—I didn't just want to support legal work; I wanted to lead it. I wanted to be an attorney. Likewise, as a paralegal, I handled personal injury cases and was familiar with how things worked. I ended up getting into an accident once, but I didn't want to get legal representation; I wanted to represent myself. I contacted the insurance provider immediately to get started. However, I realized how complicated this process could be without an attorney. The insurance provider was unresponsive, didn't return my calls, and didn't care about my case. I discussed it with my manager, asked permission to write a letter on an official business letterhead, and promised to handle everything myself. Fortunately, she agreed, and I was able to contact the insurance company as a representative of the firm. Their whole attitude changed. All of a sudden, they were much more responsive and professional. The presence of an attorney made a big difference. That moment made me realize the value of attorneys and inspired me to start my journey to becoming one. As an attorney, I can now speak up and advocate for others. I can genuinely make a difference in the lives of my clients and friends. It's truly rewarding. I am grateful for my journey, especially my time as a paralegal because it allowed me to understand a client's needs and wants. Now, I have the opportunity to provide not only the representation they seek but also the guidance and comfort that so many worry law firms will lack in a time of need.
When people see my logo, they often notice something familiar—a resemblance to the iconic Wonder Woman symbol. That wasn't an accident. I chose this iconography because I wanted people to recognize me as somebody who fights for those who cannot fight for themselves, similar to Wonder Woman, because those are the values I founded my firm on. Let's be honest—Michelle Choe is a common name. If someone hears it in passing, they might not recall it later. But if they hear how "Wonder Woman Attorney Michelle Choe" wants to fight for their rights, that sticks. And it has worked out that way! After my radio interviews, I noticed that instead of asking, "Is this Michelle Choe?" people would call and say, "Is this the Wonder Woman Attorney?" Sometimes, they'd apologize for forgetting my name but remembered how the host introduced me as the Wonder Woman Attorney. Whenever I do a radio interview, the host inevitably asks, "Why do they call you Wonder Woman?" And I always tell them: When I started law school, I was already married with a child. My family and friends were worried about me. "How are you going to do it?" they asked. "You have a family; you're working full-time—this will be too much." And to be honest, at first, I thought the same. I discovered I was pregnant a month after I began law school. I went into a panic. I sobbed. I contemplated quitting. I intended to use that time to concentrate on my studies, but suddenly, I had another important responsibility. I eventually spoke to one of my professors about it, and he shared a story that changed my perspective. He told me about a former student who was pregnant and about to give birth but still showed up to take her final exam. Her water broke during the test, but she stayed and finished it, knowing she had a few more hours before she'd need to go to the hospital. That story gave me strength and taught me perseverance, and I needed every ounce of it because my journey wasn't easy. I failed the bar exam multiple times but refused to give up. I told myself, "I will do this until I pass." I knew that once I passed, I would have the opportunity to help those who felt voiceless. I had the mindset of Wonder Woman. I told myself over and over again that Wonder Woman never gives up. She fights to the very end. This is what I intended to do for the people who trusted me to represent them. I continued to think like that throughout law school, the bar exam, and my professional life. People know me as the Wonder Woman Attorney—not just because of my logo but because I embody that spirit of resilience and determination. I bring that to my clients every single day. I promise to do everything in my power to help you get the justice you deserve because you are my priority.
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