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In late 2004 it was discovered that
the delay in the onset of WHIPLASH-TYPE injuries was discovered
to be the “Norm” rather than the “Exception”.
It was also found that
10% of the victims of “ Whiplash” became totally disabled and
the “Pain and Suffering” they endured could become monumental.
It was learned,
in late 2004, that several million Americans suffered a “Whiplash-Type”
injury because of a motor vehicle accident in that year.
CAN A SOFT
TISSUE INJURY LIKE WHIPLASH HEAL ITSELF?
The answer to that one is not a simple “Yes” or “No” because, while it can heal
itself, it can do so imperfectly!
In one study,
it was determined that patients who had suffered a “Whiplash-Type” of injury
that over 50% of them developed Osteoarithritis in the ensuing years. In another
study patients were interviewed more than two years following the settlement
of their cases and, without proper care, almost 50% continued to complain of
ongoing pain (in the area of their neck and/or shoulders) which were determined
to be directly related to their accident.:
“SO - - WHAT
TO DO“? The answer to that is, “You must complain and complain
to whomever is treating you”. Don’t allow yourself to be conned with something
like, “Yeah, I’m sorry, I know it hurts but just wait awhile. It’ll go away”.
That’s a hogwash of an answer!
A “Whiplash”
hurls our head violently backward and forward, injuring your neck. Whiplash
can cause injury to intervertebral joints, discs, and ligaments, cervical muscles
and nerves. It is usually encountered with concussions and more serious injury.
The effects of whiplash can be short term or life long because
it can leave your neck forever vulnerable to injury.
TIME
NEEDED TO RECOVER: 45% of the victims remained symptomatic for 3 months
and 25% remained in that same condition for 6 months!
The most minor cases needed a minimum of 8 weeks to recover. Some
took as long as 17 weeks.
SO, THE OFTEN DECLARED NOTION
(BY INSURANCE ADJUSTERS) THAT “WHIPLASH INJURIES HEAL IN 6 TO 8 WEEKS”,
is absolutely not true!
AS OF LATE 2004 THE FOLLOWING ARE THREE PROVABLE “CRASH FACTS”
#1. Many injuries
occur at speeds below 12 MPH.
#2. Rear end impacts of 6 MPH to
10 MPH can positively cause a “Whiplash-Type” injury.
#3.
Post Injury crash facts have proved that, between 1 and 2 years
after impact, 22% of many patients have not returned
back to “Normal” - - plus their “Pain & Suffering” continued on
and on!
FIVE
INJURY UNTRUTHS --
ESPECIALLY
AS APPLIED TO THE “WHIPLASH” INJURY
#1.
Low speed impact crashes don’t cause injuries.
#2.
Injuries generally heal in 6 to 12 weeks.
#3.
A patients pre-injury psychological makeup affects recovery.
#4. The greater the vehicle damage the greater the occupant injury.
#5.
An “Accident Re-Constructionist” can predict injury potential.
All
five of these “Conclusions” have been proved to be totally incorrect!
By: Dan
Baldyga Email: dbpaw@comcast.net.
Copyright (c) 2005 By Daniel G. Baldyga. All Rights Reserved. Reprinted with
permission. Dan's third and 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.
This book reveals “How To” handle your property damage claim so you won’t be
taken advantage of. It also goes into detail regarding BASE (The Baldyga
Auto Accident Settlement Evaluation Formula). THE BASE FORMULA explains
how to determine the value of the “Pain and Suffering” you endured - - because
of your personal injury!
DISCLAIMER:
The only purpose of this article, THE WHIPLASH INJURY AS OF 2005, is
to help people understand the motor vehicle accident claim process. Neither
Dan Baldyga, Mary Martin, FREEADVICE.COM
nor EXPERTPAGES.COM
make any guarantee of any kind whatsoever; NOR do they purport to engage
in rendering any legal service; NOR to substitute for a lawyer, an insurance
adjuster, claims adjuster, or the like. Where such professional help is desired
it is THE INDIVIDUAL'S RESPONSIBILITY to obtain such services.
