Whiplash is a very common type of head or neck injury for victims of car accidents. This injury occurs when the head involuntarily jerks forward as a result of a collision, where the tendons and muscles in the neck are affected. It usually leads to strains and injuries for the muscles in the affected area. Depending on numerous factors, it is possible that a car collision victim will feel no discomfort hours or sometimes days after the accident.
Surprisingly, many victims cannot connect the event to the discomfort, thereby deciding against getting treatment. If you were involved in a car accident recently without getting seriously hurt, one of the first things to look out for hours and days after is whiplash. If you need compensation for this type of injury, then you should take the necessary steps, as leaving it untreated could cause a more serious injury. Apart from seeking medical aid, speaking to attorney Jeffrey P. Lowenthal is also a good idea.
Head Injuries Related Injuries
If you doubt the first statement in this article, then you should know that more than two million Americans suffer from whiplash every year, of which car accidents are the most common cause. And because many whiplash injuries are not immediately felt, it is not uncommon to see many passengers leaving the scene unhurt, only to go back to the hospital in pain and having limited movement in the neck. The collision could be low-speed or high-speed.
However, car accidents are not the only way to get whiplash. A slip on a wet floor can result in a very serious neck injury. Contact sports such as football and soccer can also cause whiplash, whether during a competitive game or training.
Examining Whiplash Symptoms
The symptoms of whiplash can be quite extensive. Apart from the excruciating pain from breaking a bone in an accident, it is often common to experience stiffness or pain in the neck or back. While whiplash points to strained ligaments or a neck sprain, a broken neck or broken shoulder bones are also a possibility. X-rays are recommended at this point to confirm or cancel the possibility.
Another symptom is a headache. Headaches are common for sudden head movements. Between getting hit in the head with a soccer ball or a blunt object, any of these events could cause a headache. Sometimes it can be quite difficult to differentiate between a headache and a concussion, and it is important to do so else it might get more serious than first feared.
A common feature of head injuries is the eyes getting overly sensitive to direct light and the brain having trouble concentrating on thoughts and tasks for long periods. Some other effects of incidents of this nature are short- or long-term memory loss. If any of these symptoms are currently visible to you, then you should see a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
Treating a Whiplash Injury
While it is possible to be involved in an accident without knowing the extent of your injury, it is advised that you go for a complete medical checkup as soon as possible. However, if you cannot, and you find out you have whiplash, then the first thing to do is to immobilize your neck. It is important during this time that the neck does not undergo any more movements, and immobilizing is a good place to start.
In addition, a complete medical checkup is essential, as whiplash could be pointing to something much more serious. It is recommended that you visit a doctor and avoid the possibility of further exacerbating an injury that can affect the quality of your life.
Conclusion
It is your right to request compensation from the person at fault for the accident in the first instance. If you are finding it difficult, you should get an experienced personal injury lawyer. Between talking to law enforcement and the other party involved, lawyers will ensure you can focus on your healing while they sort out all of your legal issues.
