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Low
Speed impacts are 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) do 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 been proved
(beyond the shadow of any doubt) 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", you
most assuredly should ask.
The answer to
that is, "Because their Crash Test Dummies are seated comfortably and erect,
with all the proper equipment, seat backs, seat belts, and/or head restraints.
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.
"How is
that", you ask again.
The answer is, "Because this
lowers their own internal protective mechanism".
And one should never forget that 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. HOWEVER:
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 factors one ought
to double-check.
THREE CRUCIAL FACTORS
Below I've listed the 3 most
important and crucial factors one ought to double-check by hiring a
"Professional" to observe (and then write a report on) to supply
them with via their up-coming battle with the adjuster:
#1. Are there damages to the Bumper
Mounts or Absorbers?
#2. A true “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! (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
would be to the unlucky occupant of the motor vehicle that’s been crashed into.
YOU
MUST NEVER FORGET: Motor vehicles are built to withstand these impacts.
Your body is not!
DISCLAIMER:
The only purpose of this article "INJURY FACTS REGARDING A LOW SPEED
IMPACT" is to help people understand the motor vehicle accident claim
process. Neither Dan Baldyga, EXPERTPAGES.COM nor FREEADVICE.COM make any 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. Wherever such help is desired it is THE
INDIVIDUAL'S RESPONSIBILITY to obtain such services.
By: Dan
Baldyga Email: dbpaw@comcast.net.
Copyright (c) 2004 By Daniel G. Baldyga. All Rights Reserved. Reprinted with
permission. Dan Baldyga has a lifetime of experience in motor vehicle accidents,
personal injury and compensation. Over the years Dan has written several "How
To" books on this subject matter. Dans latest book AUTO ACCIDENT PERSONAL INJURY
INSURANCE CLAIM (How To Evaluate And Settle Your Loss) can be found on the internet
at http://www.caraccidentclaims.com
OR http://www.autoaccidentcaims.com
