Whiplash injuries are caused by the neck being bent by force in a sudden or violent backwards and forwards motion, causing damage to the muscles, bones, nerves, and tissues in the neck. Whiplash injuries normally occur in car accidents but can also be caused by sporting accidents.
Most whiplash injuries are caused by motor vehicle accidents in which the person is rear-ended or hit with extreme force while in a vehicle that is not moving. When the car is struck the individual’s head is thrown forward and then back in an over extended motion that causes the head and neck to be hyper flexed.
Symptoms of whiplash
The symptoms of whiplash may not occur immediately but when they do appear they may include:
- Neck pain
- Neck stiffness
- Back pain
- Blurred vision
- Numbness
- Fatigue
- Face pain
- Headaches
- Shoulder pain
If you have suffered a whiplash injury you should seek immediate attention, as this is the only way to determine the extent of your injuries and what the best course of treatment is for them. A doctor will first check for signs of serious injury by completing a physical exam and then take x-rays if necessary. If signs of trauma are present then you will be prescribed treatment based on the severity of the injury, your age, medical history, and other factors.
Treatments for whiplash that may be prescribed include:
- Physical therapy
- Medications
- Muscle relaxers
- Rest
If you’ve been involved in a car accident injury and have suffered whiplash, then you may be able to file a claim for whiplash compensation. Whiplash claims should be handled by an attorney that is experienced and familiar with the law in this area. In order to help your attorney file your claim and get the injury compensation you are entitled to you should do the following:
- 1. Get a copy of the accident report- A copy of the accident report is your best tool in getting the whiplash compensation you are entitled to. This report will help your lawyer get a full understanding of what took place when the accident occurred and who was at fault.
- 2. Seek medical attention- Even if you don’t think you’ve been injured, you should see seek a medical evaluation since the symptoms of whiplash can take hours to appear. You could also already be injured and just not be aware of it.
- 3. See your attorney as soon as possible- Seeking legal help as early as possible will help you lay a solid foundation for your case and get you the legal representation you need to get the compensation you deserve for your whiplash injury.
