Car accidents are a common occurrence in our daily lives, with an estimated 6 million car accidents happening every year in the United States alone. These accidents can range from minor fender benders to more serious collisions, resulting in injuries and fatalities.
One of these injuries that is commonly seen in car accident cases is whiplash.
Whiplash occurs when the neck and head suddenly jerk forward or backward, causing strain on the muscles and ligaments in the neck. It is often associated with rear-end collisions but can also occur during other types of car accidents.
In this article, we will discuss the causes of whiplash and the long-term effects it can have on an individual’s health. We will also touch upon the importance of seeking legal help from whiplash injury lawyers if you have been involved in a car accident resulting in this injury.
Article Summary
Causes of Whiplash
Whiplash was mentioned earlier and consists of the sudden back and forth jolting of the neck and head. This can happen in a variety of car accident scenarios, such as:
- Rear-end collisions: When a car is hit from behind, the impact can whip the driver’s or passenger’s head quickly back and even more quickly forward.
- T-bone collisions: This kind of accident is when one car impacts another car on its side, and the violent jerk can make whiplash injuries.
- Head-on collisions: These accidents are especially severe because of two cars with a high speed impact. Whiplash occurs due to the violence of the head and neck being forced to move back and forth.
Whiplash is also possible in other situations where sudden jerking movement of the head and neck take place apart from car accidents. It is all related to sports injuries and physical assault, as well as amusement park rides.
Long-Term Effects of Whiplash
Whiplash may appear minor at face value, and some whiplash injuries may not present any symptoms, but in all cases, it does damage to an individual’s overall health if left untreated. Some common long-term effects of whiplash include:
Neck and Shoulder Pain Related to the Chronic
Whiplash strain on the neck muscles and ligaments can create chronic neck pain and stiffness. It can also make individuals develop tension headaches and makes it difficult to do our daily activities.
Restricted Movement
Restricted movement of the neck associated with whiplash can make it painful to turn or tilt your head. Changes like this can have a profound effect on a person’s life as simple things like driving and working at a computer become very difficult.
Psychological Effects
And if you’ve had an accident caused by whiplash, you may also experience psychological side effects, such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They may be a result of the trauma of being involved in a car accident, suffering through the physical, emotional pain associated with whiplash.
Seeking Legal Help
If you crashed into a car resulting in whiplash then it’s important that you visit a doctor as soon as possible. Even if the symptoms seem minor they should be recorded in the event of any potential legal action taken.
Apart from going to seek medical help, you should also consult Personal Injury Lawyers Who Are Specialized in Whiplash Injuries. They can help you know your rights, help you recover your injuries, medical expenses, and lost wages.
