(855) 909-3021
Call Us Now
Email Us Now
After a car accident, one of the first things you might hear from the insurance company is that it was a “low impact collision.” This phrase is used frequently by insurers to downplay your injuries and justify a lowball settlement offer.
At Jarrett & Price, we’ve helped countless injury victims across Georgia challenge this false narrative. Insurance companies love to focus on the property damage—but the truth is, what happens to your car is not always a reflection of what happens to your body.
Let’s break down why this argument doesn’t hold water—and what Georgia law actually allows when it comes to proving your injury claim in court.
What Does “Low Impact Collision” Really Mean?
Insurers typically label a crash “low impact” when the vehicles involved show little visible damage. In their view, if the bumper isn’t mangled and the airbags didn’t deploy, you couldn’t possibly be hurt.
This is a dangerous and misleading assumption. It ignores decades of medical and biomechanical research. In reality, the human body is far more susceptible to injury than a modern vehicle designed to absorb impact.
Soft-Tissue Injuries Are Common in Low-Speed Crashes
Even at speeds as low as 5 to 10 mph, occupants can experience violent forces—especially in rear-end collisions. These forces often lead to:
- Whiplash and cervical strain
- Disc herniations and nerve impingement
- Concussions or closed head injuries
- Ligament sprains and soft-tissue trauma
These types of injuries are real, painful, and often not visible on X-rays. That’s why they’re sometimes referred to as “invisible injuries”—but to the person suffering, they’re all too real.
Learn more about soft-tissue and whiplash injuries here.
Georgia Courts: What’s Admissible When It Comes to Biomechanics?
Under OCGA § 24-7-702, Georgia has adopted the Daubert standard for expert witness testimony. This means a biomechanical expert or medical doctor can testify about the forces in a crash and whether those forces are capable of causing certain injuries—if the testimony is based on reliable methodology and proper qualifications.
But there are limits. A biomechanical expert who does not have a medical degree may be prevented from testifying about your specific injury diagnosis. Similarly, a doctor who lacks knowledge about crash dynamics may not be allowed to testify about the forces involved in the accident.
The attorneys at Jarrett & Price understand these evidentiary standards and know how to get the right experts in place. We routinely challenge unsupported defense expert opinions and make sure your injuries are fully presented with legally admissible evidence.
Why Property Damage Alone Can’t Tell the Whole Story
Insurance companies rely heavily on photos of vehicle damage to argue that you couldn’t have been injured. But biomechanics shows us that it’s not just about the speed of the crash or the damage to your car. Injury outcomes depend on factors like:
- Seatback angle and position
- Seatbelt and headrest effectiveness
- The angle of impact (rear-end vs. side impact)
- Pre-existing spinal conditions
- Whether the person was braced for the crash
- Height and weight differences between drivers and passengers
This is why two people in the same car can have very different injuries—or none at all. The Georgia courts recognize this nuance, even if the insurance adjusters don’t.
Jarrett & Price Knows Georgia Injury Law Inside and Out
We are more than just claim negotiators. Our firm is built on years of experience litigating personal injury cases in Georgia—from Savannah to Pooler to Atlanta and beyond. We know how to present injury evidence to insurance carriers, defense counsel, and juries in a way that reflects the true nature of your injuries.
Whether your case settles out of court or proceeds to trial, we build it from the beginning as though it will be heard before a judge and jury. That means working with qualified experts, presenting objective medical evidence, and challenging defense strategies rooted in bad science.
Start your case today: Contact us today below to schedule a case consultation.
What If the At-Fault Driver Had Minimal Insurance?
Another challenge injured Georgians face is when the at-fault driver has little or no insurance coverage. That’s where uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage comes in.
Even in a so-called “minor” crash, you could rack up thousands in medical bills and miss weeks of work. If the other driver doesn’t carry enough insurance, you may need to file a claim through your own UM/UIM policy to be fully compensated. Our attorneys can help evaluate your coverage and coordinate all applicable claims.
Don’t Let a Phrase Cost You the Compensation You Deserve
If you’ve been injured and the insurance company is using the “low impact” argument to minimize your claim, don’t face them alone. Let our experienced Georgia personal injury attorneys handle the pressure, present the evidence, and fight for what you’re rightfully owed.
Jarrett & Price has helped thousands of injury victims across the state—whether in car accidents, motorcycle collisions, pedestrian cases, or premises liability claims.
Schedule your case evaluation today by calling 855-909-3021 and let us help you move forward.
