“MIST” stands for “Minor Impact Soft Tissue.” Insurance adjusters use the term to discourage people injured in accidents from pursuing cases where there is little damage to the vehicles.
But we don’t shy away from those cases!
In a case we took to trial last week in Prince George’s County, the Judge concluded the impact looked like about a “2” on a scale of 1 to 10 and happened around 4 mph, as defendant testified. We put on a good case and our client did well testifying. The Judge awarded $26,000 – full compensation for our client! The insurance company offered $0 beforehand, claiming it was a “MIST” case.
So don’t be discouraged from pursuing a case with low property damage. They can be won, and the science is on our side. Here are just a few studies to keep in mind:
- In 1964, Ruth Jackson MD reported, “the damage to the vehicle involved in the collisions is no indication of the extent of injuries imposed on the passenger.”
- In 1982, Ian Macnab MD reported that the amount of damage to the car bears little relationship to the damage of the spine and noted that there were multiple factors at work that determine the extent of an injury.
- In 1990, Emori and Horiguchi went even further noting that whiplash injuries can occur at speeds low as 1.55mph.
- In 2006, Rene Calliet MD emphasized that low impact injuries are remarkably common, stating that “in many instances, a person experiences whiplash after a vehicle accident that has sustained little significant damage to either vehicle.
In fact, the U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that more than 80% of all accidents occur at speeds less than 20 mph.
And remember, it’s important to contact us right away in all injury cases, especially where there isn’t a lot of damage to the car. The sooner we get involved, the better we can build the case for full compensation and ensure that you see the right doctor.
Dedicated to protecting and advancing your rights,
Rick Lundin