Our Atlanta personal injury attorneys at Ashby Thelen Lowry know that not all Georgia crash injuries occur at high speeds. Some of the most serious and lasting neck and spinal damage happens during low-speed rear-end collisions. Insurance companies often dismiss or downplay these cases, but the truth is clear: a low-speed impact can cause real harm that disrupts a person’s health, work, and quality of life.
Understanding how to document and prove these injuries is critical to pursuing the justice and compensation you deserve.
Why Low-Speed Doesn’t Mean Low-Impact
It’s a common misconception that the people inside must be unharmed if a vehicle isn’t severely damaged. But medical studies—and real-world experience—show otherwise. The human body, particularly the neck and spine, is highly vulnerable to sudden force, even at speeds under 15 miles per hour.
Whiplash is one of the most common outcomes of low-speed rear-end collisions. This soft tissue injury occurs when the head is violently jerked backward and then forward, stretching and damaging the neck and upper spine’s muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
In more severe cases, the force can:
- Bulge or herniate spinal discs.
- Irritate or compress nerves.
- Causes long-term inflammation and reduced mobility.
- Trigger chronic pain conditions or neurological issues.
Common Symptoms of Neck and Spine Injuries
Injuries to the cervical and upper thoracic spine may not appear immediately.
Symptoms often develop over hours or days and may include:
- Neck stiffness and reduced range of motion.
- Headaches originating from the base of the skull.
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or hands.
- Shoulder or back pain.
- Dizziness or fatigue.
- Difficulty concentrating or sleeping due to discomfort.
These symptoms can worsen if left untreated, and insurance carriers may use any delay in care to question the seriousness of your injuries.
How to Strengthen Your Neck & Spine Personal Injury Claim
If you’ve suffered a neck or spinal injury in a low-speed rear-end collision, here are key steps to take:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even if symptoms seem minor, getting a complete evaluation is critical. A physician can document the injury early and rule out more serious internal damage.
- Request Imaging Tests
MRIs and CT scans often reveal disc and soft tissue injuries that don’t appear on X-rays. These objective findings can support your claim.
- Follow Through with Treatment
Physical therapy, chiropractic care, or pain management may be necessary. Consistent follow-up shows that the injury is ongoing and severe.
- Keep a Symptom Journal
Record your pain levels, limitations, missed workdays, and how the injury affects your daily life. This helps convey the actual impact on your well-being.
Let Ashby Thelen Lowry Advocate for You
Insurance companies often try to minimize injuries from low-speed rear-end collisions, but our legal team knows the truth: These injuries are real, painful, and sometimes permanent. At Ashby Thelen Lowry, we fight for those harmed due to another driver’s negligence—regardless of speed or vehicle damage.
If you’ve suffered neck or spine injuries in a low-speed rear-end collision in Georgia, contact our Atlanta personal injury attorneys today. We may be able to take your case and pursue the full compensation you need to move forward.