Car accidents can cause a number of injuries, but whiplash is one of the most common. A report conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows that approximately 65 percent of insurance claimants experienced a neck injury like whiplash after being in a car accident. Whiplash is not only painful, but it can also prevent an accident victim from being able to work and pay their bills. If you have experienced a neck injury during an accident, you may be wondering how you can receive compensation for your damages. Whiplash may seem like a minor injury, but it is vital to understand the dangers of this condition and what you should do after suffering a neck injury in an accident.
How Does Whiplash Occur?
Whiplash is a term used to refer to a soft tissue injury involving the tendons and ligaments in the neck. It occurs when a sudden stop or other force thrusts the head backward and forward. Many people assume that whiplash only occurs in high-speed or very serious accidents. However, whiplash can be caused during low-speed accidents as well. Rear-end collisions are most often the cause of whiplash, but the condition can also be caused by other types of traffic accidents as well.
Symptoms of Whiplash
When a person experiences whiplash, they may not immediately recognize how injured they actually are. Adrenaline, often called the “fight or flight” hormone, can significantly lessen the pain one experiences after an injury-causing accident. Symptoms of whiplash may become evident hours, days, or even weeks after the accident. The most common symptoms of whiplash include:
- Persistent headaches that start at the base of the skull
- Pain or stiffness when trying to move the head forward, backward, side-to-side, or when attempting to look over the shoulder
- Feelings of tightness and knotting in the neck
- Reduced range of motion
- Tenderness and pain in the neck and surrounding areas
How is Whiplash Treated?
Sometimes, whiplash injuries can heal on their own. However, some individuals who have been injured in an accident develop chronic whiplash. This can significantly inhibit a person’s ability to work, care for children, and do daily living tasks. It is critical that accident victims who experience long-term whiplash symptoms seek an official diagnosis and medical treatment for the injury. Official medical records documenting the injury are almost always needed as proof in an insurance claim or personal injury suit. Whiplash can be treated with massage, a neck brace, pain medication, physical therapy, and more.
Contact a Green Bay Neck Injury Attorney
If you were injured in an accident, an experienced Appleton car accident lawyer from Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd. can help you understand your options for seeking compensation. Call 920-739-7366 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our team today.
Sources:
https://www.webmd.com/back-pain/neck-strain-whiplash
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/whiplash/symptoms-causes/syc-20378921