When considering serious car accidents we often envisage devastating images of high-speed collisions. While it is true that high-speed collisions can be catastrophic for those involved, low-speed vehicles can cause serious injuries too.
Low-speed crashes frequently go under the radar of both road users and insurance companies. However, playing down such collisions may be based on misconception rather than reality. The fact of the matter is that any collision can result in both physical and emotional trauma, as well as long-term injuries.
Debunking misconceptions about low-speed collisions
The perception that low-speed impacts never result in serious injury is simply ill-founded. When you are stationary, there is a potential for you to become complacent. You might completely ignore the possibility that a slower-moving vehicle could run into you. Being hit when you least expect it, especially from behind, can cause you to jar your neck, which can result in significant injuries.
What types of injuries can be caused by a low-speed impact?
Any jarring of your neck not only has the potential to cause neck and back injury but the sudden jostling may cause your brain to shake inside your skull. Such a situation could result in a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) that can fall on either the minor or severe end of the scale. Common symptoms include dizziness, fatigue, confusion, headaches and nausea. Most of the time, people are able to make a full recovery from head injuries. However, they often involve an extended period of recovery, which could lead to time off of work and a loss of income. In extreme circumstances, a TBI can be life-altering, leading to a requirement for lifetime care. It is imperative that you get yourself checked out as soon as possible after any type of blow to the head.
Understanding the risks of different types of collisions could ensure that road users in Hawaii remain safe. If you have been injured in a road traffic accident, there may be legal options open to you for a compensation claim.