In the State of Florida, a “low-speed crash” is defined as one in which no vehicles involved travel over a speed of 10 mph and in which there are no pedestrians or bicycles involved. Low-speed crash claims are typically sneered at. People often scoff and think it’s preposterous to assume that somebody could have been injured in a car accident when their (or someone else’s) car was traveling a measly 9 mph (or less). The cynicism will probably continue on forever, but so will the facts. The State of Florida has detailed records of the danger, prevalence, and deadliness of these low-speed crashes.
There are many ways to think about the impact of low-speed crashes. Let’s start our exploration of low-speed crash statistics by picking a number. How about the number 67,602? Or how about the number 55,973? The first number was the number of documented low-speed crashes that took place in Florida in a given year. The second number was the number of documented injuries that were the result of those low-speed car crashes. These numbers are astounding. What’s even more shocking is that the true numbers of car crashes and injuries are actually higher than what’s on record! That’s because not everyone calls the police after what they think is a “small fender-bender.” Their lack of knowledge on the severity of these accidents is a result of the common misconception that if an accident happens at a low-speed, the resulting injuries will be minimal—or non-existent.
The fact is, over the past twenty years, hundreds of people have died because of low-speed car crashes, and hundreds of thousands more have been injured. There’s nothing inconsequential about human lives being lost, and while the rates of death and injury from these accidents have decreased significantly over the past 15 years, the fact that people still die in these crashes proves just how deadly they can be. In 2008, seven people were killed, and 3,373 were injured due to the 3,984 documented low-speed car crashes that took place in the state. That means that for every “measly” low-speed car crash, someone was injured.
When insurance companies turn their noses up at low-speed car crashes, they’re turning their eyes away from the facts. The statistics support the proven scientific claims that low-speed car crashes, because of inertia at work with the neck and head, can cause serious injuries—and even death. In the movies and on TV, the most damaging car crashes usually involve speeding Corvettes and fuel-packed 18-wheelers. The fact is, while real life is often much more mundane, the results of the typical car crash can be just as deadly.
Don’t be bullied by insurance agents who think they’re scientists. The facts, and the law, are on your side.
If you have been in a car accident of any velocity, please contact our experienced attorneys at 561-266-9191 or daronberg@build.simple.biz.
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