The word “whiplash” is used as a descriptive term for a variety of neck injuries, which are quite common in rear-impact car accidents. When a car is hit in the rear, impact propels the passengers’ and driver’s bodies forward, but their heads remain in place.
The neck is exposed to extreme flexion and extension that mimics the motion of a whip. However, the term has fallen out of favor in recent years, and whiplash injuries are referred to by medical terms such as “myofascial injury” or “cervical sprain”.
Causes of Whiplash Injuries
Neck injuries are a byproduct of rear-impact accidents, where the front vehicle’s occupants are not prepared for impact. However, whiplash can come from other types of accidents, and can also come from low-impact, low-speed crashes.
Factors such as head position at time of impact, gender, height and restraint position all play a role in whiplash severity. If you have been involved in a car accident, you should be checked by a doctor right away.
Symptoms of Whiplash
Whether happening after a car crash or other type of incident, signs of whiplash neck injuries include:
Stiffness and pain
Lower range of motion
Dizziness
Headaches
Blurry vision
Arm, back and shoulder pain
Fatigue, trouble concentrating and disturbed sleep
Other cognitive difficulties
It can take a few days after an accident to notice symptoms of whiplash. If you or someone you know has been in a car accident, call your lawyer–and keep an eye out for signs of whiplash-type neck injuries.
Getting Help for a Neck Injury
Neck injuries can have severe consequences, and can lead to long-lasting health issues if not treated properly. You should seek medical attention following any Car Accident in Vandalia, OH, and if you are sent home afterward by a physician, you should seek additional treatment if you develop persistent or recurring symptoms.
If you are contemplating filing a personal injury lawsuit for the accident and your whiplash injuries, you should be prepared. Keep detailed records of the accident’s events, any symptoms you experience, and any associated medical treatment and expenses. A lawyer with Shipman, Dixon and Livingston Co. L.P.A can use this information to get the recovery you deserve.
