The Whiplash Injury As Of 2005
Post contributed by Dan Baldyga.
In 2004 it was discovered that the delay in the onset of WHIPLASH-TYPE injuries was the “Norm” rather than the “Exception” .
It was also found that 10% of the victims of ” Whiplash” became totally disabled so it simply followed that the “Pain and Suffering” they endured could become monumental.
It was learned, in late 2004, that several million Americans suffered a “Whiplash-Type” of injury because of a motor vehicle accident in that year.
CAN A SOFT TISSUE INJURY LIKE WHIPLASH HEAL ITSELF? The answer to that one is not a simple “Yes” or “No” because, while it can heal itself, it can do so – – but often imperfectly !
In one study, it was determined that patients who had suffered a “Whiplash-Type” of injury that over 50% of them developed Osteoarithritis in the ensuing years. In another study patients were interviewed more than two years following the settlement of their cases and, without proper care, almost 50% continued to complain of ongoing pain (in the area of their neck and/or shoulders) which were determined to be directly related to their accident.
“SO,” you justifiably ask, “WHAT TO DO”? The answer to that is very simple, “You must complain to whomever is treating you”. Don’t allow yourself to be conned with something like, “Yeah, I’m sorry, I know it hurts but just wait awhile. It’ll go away”. That’s a hogwash of an answer!
A “Whiplash” hurls our head violently backward and forward, injuring your neck. Whiplash can cause injury to intervertebral joints, discs, and ligaments, cervical muscles and nerves. It is usually encountered with concussions and more serious injury. The effects of whiplash can be short term or they can be life long – – it can leave your neck forever vulnerable to injury.
TIME NEEDED TO RECOVER: 45% of the victims remained symptomatic for 3 months and 25% remained in that same condition for 6 months! The most minor cases needed a minimum of 8 weeks to recover. Some took as long as 17 weeks.
And so, the often declared notion, by insurance adjusters, that, “Whiplash injuries heal in 6 to 8 weeks”, is absolutely not true !
AS OF LATE 2004 THE FOLLOWING ARE THREE SOLID AND PROVE ABLE “CRASH FACTS”: #1. Many injuries occur at speeds below 12 MPH. #2. Rear end impacts of 6 MPH to 10 MPH can positively cause a “Whiplash-Type” injury. #3. Post Injury crash facts have proved that, between 1 and 2 years after impact, 22% of many patients have not returned back to “Normal” – – plus their “Pain & Suffering” continued on and on!
5 OF THE MOST COMMON UNTRUTHS (ESPECIALLY WHEN APPLIED TO “WHIPLASH”) ARE AS FOLLOWS
#1. Low speed impact crashes don’t cause injuries. #2. Injuries generally heal in 6 to 12 weeks. #3. A patients pre-injury psychological makeup affects recovery. #4. The greater the vehicle damage the greater the occupant injury. #5. An “Accident Re-Constructionist” can predict injury potential.
All five of these 5 above “Conclusions” have been proven to be totally and positively incorrect !
DISCLAIMER: The only purpose of this claim tip is to help people understand the motor vehicle accident claim process. Neither Dan Baldyga nor Automotive Trends make any guarantee of any kind whatsoever; NOR to substitute for a lawyer, an insurance adjuster, or claims consultant, or the like. Where such professional help is desired it is the INDIVIDUAL’S RESPONSIBILITY to obtain said services.
Dan Baldyga’s latest book AUTO ACCIDENT PERSONAL INJURY INSURANCE CLAIM (How To Evaluate And Settle Your Loss) can be found on the internet at his web site http://www.autoaccidentclaims.com. This book reveals “How To” successfully handle your motor vehicle accident claim, so you won’t be taken advantage of. It also goes into detail regarding the revolutionary BASE (The Baldyga Auto Accident Settlement Evaluation Formula). BASE will explain how to determine the value of the “Pain and Suffering” you endured, because of your personal injury.
