Common Injuries in a Low Speed Car Accident
One of the most common misconceptions about car accidents is that the individuals involved cannot be injured at low speeds. Many people believe that low-speed car crashes, such as a rear-end collision at a stop sign, do not result in injury; however, this is far from the truth. While the injuries may not be as critical as those sustained in high-speed crashes, they require medical care nonetheless. Here’s what you need to know about injuries in low-speed car accidents.
Whiplash
For whiplash to occur, an accident does not need to be at a high-speed. Even if you are stopped and someone rear ends you, or you are involved in a low speed head-on collision, you can suffer from whiplash. Whiplash is caused when the muscles and vertebrae in the neck are snapped back and forth quickly beyond their normal capability, which can easily happen in a crash at less than 20 mph.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries, like bruises and lacerations, are very common in low speed impacts. Often, the air bags in a car will deploy even during a collision at low speeds, which can cause bruising and cuts to the face, and potentially even break bones like the delicate bones in the nose. Another common injury in car accidents that occur at less than 20 mph is bruising of the ribs from the seat belt. While no ribs may be broken, these bruises can be deep and can take weeks to heal.
Lower Back Injuries
Lower
back injuries tend to occur frequently in low speed car accidents, simply because it is difficult for the car driver and passengers to brace their backs against the seat and their necks against the headrest before a collision. Often, collisions happen without warning, when the driver and his or her passengers are sitting normally and relaxed. However, this can easily cause sprains and strains to the lower back, which can be painful and require medical care.
Contact the Sarkisian Law Offices Today
If you have been injured in a low-speed car accident, do not assume that your injuries will not be taken seriously because your accident did not occur at high speeds. At the Sarkisian Law Offices, we can provide you with comprehensive legal representation in order to help you get the compensation you deserve. Call today for a consultation at 219-942-7171.
