Whiplash From a Car Accident

Are you concerned that you may have whiplash following a car accident?

We often hear the term “whiplash” when referring to minor fender bender accidents that do very little damage in the way of personal injury. The term can be rather misunderstood—or even overlooked as an actual injury since it is not easily diagnosed. It’s important to understand the meaning of a whiplash injury and how it can affect a person’s lifestyle and quality of life.

Defining "whiplash."

The term “whiplash” does not define just one condition but rather describes a variety of neck injuries that often occur in rear-end collisions. This term applies particularly to damage that occurs to the soft tissue of the neck. What happens in a rear-end car accident is the impact of the crash causes both the driver and the passengers to lunge forward while their heads remain in place. This causes the neck to suffer an unnatural extension and bending that results in a whip-like motion. These types of injuries are usually referred to as whiplash.

Causes of whiplash.

Rear-end collisions are the most common cause of whiplash and other types of neck injuries due to the fact the occupants in the front vehicle are unprepared for the impact it causes. However, there are other types of incidents that may also be associated with these types of injuries that include:

• Car accidents other than those involving rear-end impact.
• Various types of contact sports.
• Intentional assaults that also produce trauma to the head.
• Accidents that occur while skiing or snowboarding.
• Incurring repeated stress injuries.
• Incidents of child abuse such as those that occur with shaken baby syndrome.
• Accidents that result from slip and fall incidents.

There are a couple of misconceptions about whiplash that are important to know. The first one is these types of injuries are not limited to high speed, serious accidents. In fact, it is quite common for whiplash to occur during rear-end collisions at low-speeds. Another misconception is that whiplash is not a very serious injury because it only involves soft tissue. However, contrary to this belief, medical evidence supports the premise that soft tissue injuries can be just as serious as other injuries, and if they are not treated can have long-term effects.

Symptoms of whiplash.

Whether you have been involved in a car accident or some other type of accident, you should be aware of the signs of whiplash or neck injury such as the following:

• Stiffness and pain in the neck area.
• A marked increase in your ability to move freely.
• Headache.
• Dizziness.
• Blurry vision.
• Pain in the arm, shoulder, or back.
• Trouble sleeping, problems concentrating, or fatigue.
• Any other types of psychological or cognitive difficulties.

Sometimes these symptoms may not manifest themselves for several days, so it’s important to keep a close eye on any signs of whiplash following a car accident or any other type of accident.

It’s important to make sure you seek medical attention if you suspect you may have whiplash or a soft tissue injury from a car crash. There is little chance you will be able to file a successful claim for your injuries without medical documentation that supports your claim. Our firm fully understands there are many people who have neither insurance nor money to cover medical bills, but we can usually help them get in to see a doctor or specialist at no cost. To speak with one of our legal representatives, call our office at (214) 651-6100.