The Low Speed Impact/Minimal Damage Myth

Insurance adjusters and defense lawyer continue to perpetuate the "low speed impact myth", namely that personal injuries can not, and do not, result from a low speed impact where there was a low speed collision with minimal property damage.

Scientific research has shown that impact speeds of approximately 9 miles per hour are necessary to cause structural deformity to the vehicle. Yet, there is a consensus in the scientific literature that only 4-5 mph is the probable threshold for cervical injury if there is a proper head support and as low as 2.5 miles per hour where the headrest is not at a proper location.

It must be remembered that the "whiplash" effect of an acceleration-deceleration trauma causes far greater forces to the head than to the vehicle, in fact 2.5 times more!!!

Research has shown that it is rare that the headrest is positioned to provide optimal protection to the whiplash victim. Even when the headrest is positioned for optimal protection, a "ramping effect" is often produced in a low-speed impact. This "ramping effect" occurs by the straightening of the spine or the mechanical interactions between the seatback and the torso, causing the shoulders, head and neck to vertically accelerate up the seatback and beyond the head rest, thus reducing its effectiveness.

Douglas E. Schmidt
Personal Injury Attorney

13911 Ridgedale Drive,
Suite 110
Minneapolis, MN 55305

Phone (952) 473-4530
Toll Free 1-800-656-8450
Fax (952) 544-1308

1. $54 Million for Minnesota Farmers.

2. $2.2 million for Trucking Collision Injury Case.

3. $1.4 million Jury Trial for Minnesota Farmer.

4. $2.4 million Jury Verdict in Medical Malpractice case.

5. $620,000 for Injury to Motorcycle Driver.

6. $450,000 for Injuries from Mack truck collision.

7. $900,000 Court Award in Farm Injury.

8. $300,000 for Man Injured in ATV accident.

9. $600,000 for Zamboni Lung Injuries.

10. $1 million Jury Award in Medical Malpractice Case.

11. $600,000 against Ford Motor

12. $600,000 in Medical Malpractice Case

13. $800,000 Judgment in Nursing Home Death case.

14. $743,000 jury verdict in car accident.

15. $445,000 in slip & fall case.

16. $1 million in sexual assault case.

17. $440,000 in sexual assault jury verdict.

18. $600,000 recovery for victims of lung injuries.

19. $3 million plus in No Fault recoveries.

20. $8 million in medical malpractice recoveries.