The Hidden Dangers of Low-Speed Car Accidents: Understanding Soft Tissue Injuries

When you think about New Haven auto accidents you may think about high speed accidents that cause significant damage and could result in serious injuries. Of course this is the most common type of accident that does occur, but it is certainly not the only type of accident that causes significant injury and damage.

If you’ve ever been involved in a low-speed car accident you know that they can significantly impact your ability to successful live out your life day to day. In fact, low-speed accidents often result in what are called soft tissue injuries. Soft tissue injuries may be mild in nature, but they also have the potential of being quite serious. They may linger for weeks, months and maybe even years to the point where you can become significantly distressed by them for your entire life.

It is important to remember when you are thinking about low-speed car accidents to remember that low-speed does not necessarily mean low risk. You may think that if you are traveling at low speeds of even 5-10 MPH that you are safe and free from the risk of injury, but the truth is that the jolt caused from impact forces can cause significant strain to your muscles, ligaments, shoulders, neck, back and tendons which can be long lasting. These low speeds may not cause a lot of flying debris or cause you to be thrown from the vehicle, but they can cause significant injuries.

You should know what types of injuries can be caused by low-speed impacts and how to make sure you get the care you need for these types of injuries. Some of the injuries that may be caused from a low-speed car accident include the following;

1.) Whiplash: This neck injury is often caused by a sudden and forceful back and forth movement which is typically seen in a low-speed car accident. Generally speaking, but not always, these types of injuries occur when you are involved in a rear end accident.

2.) Muscle strains: Not only can you experience muscle strains from whiplash during a low-speed car accident you can also experience similar issues in other muscles like your upper back and shoulders. You may also experience lower back muscle strain as well. Any one of these types of injuries can become significant over time.

3.) Ligament strains or sprains: When a low-speed car accident occurs you may find yourself straining a ligament or even spraining a ligament. This again goes back to the whip like experience of being struck and having the car jolt forward or backward. You may also experience a sudden twisting or side impact that comes from an accident that doesn’t happen as a rear end accident.

Muscle strains, neck strains and ligament sprains or strains are all types of injuries that can happen as the result of a low-speed New Haven auto accident. When these types of injuries occur you might feel like it is just a nagging injury and it will go away on its own. You should always seek medical attention no matter how mild you think your injury is. These types of injuries can become long-term and nagging injuries that can be with you for your entire life if they are not addressed as soon as they occur.

If you find yourself injured in any type of accident you may need to seek the experience of an attorney. Contact our office and one of our experienced attorneys will review your situation and work with you to protect your long-term interests.