~LOW SPEED IMPACT ~ "INJURY-FACTS"

Low Speed impacts are usually those that take pace at speeds under 10 MPH. There’s often little (if any) visible Property Damage done to the rear of ones motor vehicle. However, those who are struck (especially in the rear) often have injuries, especially neck injuries. The most common of them are identified as “Whiplash”.

The most contributing factors to “Low Back Injuries” is that the occupants cannot brace themselves nor force their back and neck against the seat or headrest. Most bumpers are built to withstand a low impact (with limited visible damage) but while there may be very minor property damage the body gets snapped around and the body sustains “Soft Tissue” injuries - - including bruises, plus chest and rib injuries.

It’s a fact, proved by in-depth tests, that while seat belts save lives they can ALSO cause injuries! Since the introduction of Seat Belt Legislation the incidence of “Soft Tissue” injury has increased an astonishing 21% !

If one were to refer to the “Institute For Highway Safety (regarding their alleged Inside-Information - - conducted via their “Crash Test Dummy” tests) they would read, “Whiplash is fairly rare.” This is absolutely incorrect ! Why? Because their “Crash Test Dummies” are seated comfortably and erect, with all the proper equipment, seat backs, seat belts, head restraints, etc. However, it’s highly improbable that any of us are ever in the “Ideal Model Situation”, when involved in a motor vehicle crash.

Body size plays a role in how severe an individuals injury can be. Tall people are at greater risk of “Whiplash”. This is because they are most likely to have head restraints that are too low to be of any help at impact. Individuals with less muscle mass (i.e. women, children and the elderly) pose a higher level of injury risk because this lowers their own internal protective mechanism. This phenomenon also applies to those with small bone structure!

VEHICLE DAMAGE: Older vehicles often suffer greater impacts but show less damage, than new cars. Just because a vehicle shows little or no damage to the bumper does not mean the driver or other occupants did not suffer an injury.

Even though there’s little, if any, Property Damage to be visually observed, and becomes a problem for (regarding your Personal Injury Claim with the insurance company you’re dealing with - - because there’s no Property Damage to be seen) there are 3 crucial factors one ought to double-check, by hiring a “Professional” to supply you with a written report on. As follows: #1. Are there damages to the Bumper Mounts or Absorbers? #2. A “Professional” (by studying the marks on the Bumper Pistons) can estimate the amount of force received at impact. #3. Also, that “Professional” must determine if the striking vehicle’s bumper slid over or under your cars bumper! (If so, even though there may have been little or no damage to your car, this proves you did indeed absorb a substantial crash)!

Too often the insurance adjuster (and/or their Superiors) will attempt to deny the possibility of an injury sustained at a low speed impact. However, recent in-dept research substantiates, just the opposite!

Although many times the motor vehicle shows little damage, the velocity and accompanying force had to be transferred somewhere and that’s to the unlucky occupant of the motor vehicle that’s been crashed into.

NEVER FORGET: Motor vehicles are built to withstand these impacts. Your body is not !

Copyright (c) 2004 By Daniel G. Baldyga. All Rights Reserved

DISCLAIMER: The only purpose of this article LOW SPEED IMPACT “INJURY-FACTS”, is to help people understand the motor vehicle accident claim process. Dan Baldyga makes no guarantee of any kind whatsoever, NOR purports to engage in rendering any professional or legal service, NOR to substitute for a lawyer, an insurance adjuster, or claims consultant, or the like. Where such professional help is desired it is the INDIVIDUAL’S RESPONSIBILITY to obtain such services.