Boston Car Accident Lawyer Blog
According to the entertainment industry, car accidents are always exceedingly dramatic. They seem to only occur at a high rate of speed, culminating in a chaotic spectacle impressing viewers munching on popcorn in their seats. The problem is that entertainment industry is meant to be taken as just that-entertainment. Car accidents do not always end in movie-worthy fashion, but that does not mean serious injuries are not possible from smaller car accidents or those where the physical property damage is not immediately evident.
What happens if I am injured in a slow speed accident?
Am I still entitled to compensation for my injuries?
The aftermath of a car accident can be an incredibly confusing experience for victims recovering from injuries sustained in the crash. Lack of property damage on the vehicles involved can make the process seem even more frustrating. Victims of slow-speed motor vehicle accidents are urged to contact a Massachusetts Personal Injury Attorney as soon as possible to explore all legal options available to them.
Low speed motor vehicle accidents may not leave the amount of visible property damage as high speed crashes, but numerous studies have shown that serious injuries are possible regardless of the level of damage evident on the vehicles involved. In fact, the International Spine and Pain Institute cites “study after study” that shows no correlation between the amount of property damage and severity of an injury to the head, neck, and spine. The research institute goes on to explain that, “several studies have shown that even at low speeds, the cervical spine and its associated soft and neural tissues undergo injury.” According to a 1978 study, most rear-end collisions can result in head, neck, and back injuries known as “whiplash” at an average velocity of just 15 miles per hour.
It is important to remember that it is still very much possible to receive the compensation you deserve in low-speed accidents. Though the defendants may attempt to discredit the injuries, consulting with an experienced attorney will ensure that you voice is heard and your injuries are recognized. Just this week, a jury in Pasadena, California awarded a female victim a sizable $3.1 million as compensation for her injuries in a low-speed rear-end collision. It was a textbook case for injuries sustained low-speed crashes. According to the National Trial Lawyers, 56-year-old Teresa Gamage was the front passenger in a car that was hit from behind while stopped at a red light.
Because the property damage was minimal, the defendant’s legal team attempted to discredit Ms. Gamage’s injuries. The victim suffered a ruptured cervical disk and required extensive treatment following the accident. Cervical disks on the vertebrae are located in the neck, a particularly vulnerable area, according the aforementioned International Spine and Pain Institute data. The article, citing court documents, explained Ms. Gamage suffered a “ruptured disc at C5-6 which was impinging on the spinal cord and causing radiculopthy.” Even after tradition pain management techniques such as physical therapy and epidural shots, the pain did not subside and the victim proceeded with a drastic C-6 fission surgery.
Attempts to call the victim’s injuries into question were not enough to convince the jury, and $3,102,463 was awarded to Teresa Gamage. The victim was compensated for her past expenses ($197,752.52) , future expenses ($1,904,711.10) as well as an additional $1,000,000 for future pain and suffering. After the verdict, Ms. Gamage’s attorney, Rahul Ravipudi summed up the situation:
“This verdict is a fair and just outcome that ensures that Ms. Gamage’s medical care will be taken care of for the rest of her life. This is a case that need not have gone to trial but for the unreasonableness of the defendant’s insurance company.”
If you or someone you know was injured in an low-speed car accident, it is advised that you contact a Massachusetts Personal Injury Attorney right away to assure you receive the compensation you deserve. It is easy for victims to feel overwhelmed or discouraged in cases like these but our experienced attorneys have decades of experience successfully handling motor vehicle accident cases. We are here to assist every step of the way, answering any questions you may have.
At the law offices of Altman & Altman, we are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week – including nights and weekends to answer any questions regarding your case. Call us today to schedule a free initial consultation and case evaluation.
Read the full article by The National Trial Lawyers
