Low Speed Collisions:

Low speed impacts are generally considered to be any collision that take place at speeds under 10 mph. Although there is no statistical data that sets this cutoff point, the insurance industry refers to this number as such. Where the controversy arises is in the case of the rear-end low impact collision. Generally in low speed collisions their is not a lot of damage done to the car, however people involved in these accidents often claim to have suffered injuries, neck injuries especially.

There has been a great deal of research done over the last several years to prove that, in fact, injury can and does occur in low impact collisions. The most common of these injuries is "whiplash." One of the contributing factors to these injuries is that, in most cases, the occupants are unaware of the impending collision. They therefore cannot brace themselves and force their back and neck against the seat or headrest.

Automobile bumpers are built to the government standard of being able to with stand a 2.5 to 5 mph crash without damage. These standards are not for the safety of the occupant, but are to protect and limit the damage to the bumpers, keeping the cost of repair to a minimum. Many times, vehicle to vehicle impacts, which are not as severe as barrier impacts, can sustain an impact of 8-9 mph before there is recognizable damage to the automobile. This varies by vehicle model as each manufacturer has a different method for building bumpers. The point is that when the bumper doesn't crumple and absorb the force of the impact, more of that force is expended on the occupants.

Many State Police bureaus use a demonstration to stress the importance of wearing their seat belts and shoulder harnesses. This demonstration consists of strapping an occupant to a car seat and sliding it down a rail to initiate a 5 mph crash into a barrier. Participants that have actually gotten on and experienced the feeling of crashing into the barrier know first hand how someone could be injured in such a low speed type of collision. Others that have simply witnessed the demonstration can verify that the person that has crashed at only 5 mph is thrown forward with a severe jerking motion.

In many cases the insurance industry tries to deny the possibility of injuries in these low speed impacts. However, research substantiates just the opposite. Although many times the car shows little damage, the velocity and accompanying force have to be transferred somewhere, and that can be the unlucky occupant of the vehicle. Cars are built to withstand these impacts but our bodies are not.

Some of the injuries that can be sustained in a low speed impact are as follows:

• Neck injuries
  
• Back injuries
  
• Bruises
  
• Chest and rib injuries
  
• Soft tissue injuries

In many instances, symptoms of these injuries will not occur immediately. Instead they may take up to 72 hours to manifest themselves. Some of the common symptoms for the above injuries include:

• Neck Pain
  
• Headaches
  
• Vision problems
  
• Dizziness
  
• Back Pain
  
• Muscle aches and pains
  
• Minor fractures

These are not all of the types of injuries reported from roll-over accidents. If you have been involved in one of these it is important that you consult a professional in your area for an examination or consultation.