If you have ever experienced a car accident, you may know how a whiplash injury feels firsthand. This type of injury is commonly associated with rear-end collisions. However, there are multiple types of accidents where a person can sustain a neck soft tissue injury.
Whiplash is a type of neck injury that occurs when the head is suddenly and forcefully jerked backward and then forward. This rapid motion can strain or damage the neck's soft tissues (muscles, ligaments, and tendons), leading to various symptoms.
How Whiplash Occurs
Sudden Impact:
The most common scenario for whiplash is a rear-end car collision. When a vehicle is struck from behind, the force rapidly propels the body forward while the head remains momentarily behind. This causes the neck to extend (move backward) and rapidly flex (move forward).
Acceleration-Deceleration Motion:
The term "whiplash" comes from the whip-like motion of the neck during an accident. The rapid acceleration followed by an abrupt deceleration puts excessive stress on the neck's soft tissues.
If you or a loved one got injured for the negligent actions of a third party, then you may be entitled to receive fair compensation for your damages. You need a whiplash injury attorney to assist you in your claim process.
Symptoms and Signs of Whiplash
A victim of a transit accident can notice a whiplash injury if they feel neck pain and stiffness. These are the hallmark symptoms of whiplash and often appear within 24 hours after the injury.
Headaches are present after an accident where you sustain a whiplash injury. They can be mild to severe and are usually felt at the base of the skull. Another symptom that can be present is shoulder and upper back pain. This pain may radiate from the neck to the shoulders.
Some individuals sometimes experience dizziness or vertigo. They are not that common, but they also represent one of the whiplash symptoms and fatigue: general tiredness or difficulty sleeping.
Other cognitive symptoms can occur, such as difficulty concentrating or remembering things. This is often referred to as "brain fog." Others may feel tingling or numbness due to nerve irritation that leads to these sensations in the arms.
We can also relate as less obvious signs of a whiplash injury the following symptoms:
- Blurry Vision
- Depression
- Difficulty Balancing
- Facial Pain
- Jaw Pain
- Light Sensitivity
- Muscle Weakness
- Ringing Ears (Tinnitus)
Experts have created a grading system to determine the severity of the injury. It is called the Quebec Classification of Whiplash-Associated Disorders.
It grades the severity measuring as follows:
- Grade 0: No injury.
- Grade 1: Pain only.
- Grade 2: Pain plus signs of injury.
- Grade 3: Pain plus signs of injury and neurological effects.
- Grade 4: Severe pain and signs of serious or dangerous neurological effects.
It is extremely important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to help the muscle to rest and heal properly. Seeking legal help from a whiplash lawyer is always good advice if you want compensation for your damages.
Common Causes of Whiplash
As we mentioned before, whiplash injuries are associated with rear-end car accidents, but that's because those types of accidents are very common. Therefore, we used to see the injury more often.
However, a person can sustain this injury from other types of car accidents, such as:
- Head-On Collisions
- Left Turn Accidents
- Multi-Vehicle Pileups
- Rollover Accidents
- T-Bone Accidents (Side Collisions)
Any accident where there is a sudden acceleration-deceleration can bring a whiplash injury.
Another cause of whiplash is sports. Athletes in contact sports like football, rugby, or hockey risk experiencing whiplash due to sudden impacts or collisions with other players.
Of course, these professionals know how hazardous their discipline is, so it is unlikely that a person can seek compensation for an accident while playing a game.
Physical attacks can cause whiplash injury. Being punched or shaken forcefully can generate at least a mild whiplash.
In some cases, the rapid motion of certain amusement park rides can cause whiplash. Also, a fall, especially where the head snaps backward and then forward, can lead to whiplash.
Diagnosis and Medical Treatment for Whiplash
Whiplash injuries can be elusive, often causing delayed symptoms that may not surface until hours or even days after the initial incident. This makes an accurate diagnosis crucial for effective treatment.
A comprehensive diagnosis typically begins with a thorough medical examination by a qualified healthcare professional. The exam consists of different assessments, including a detailed incident history, a neck and spine check, and possibly X-rays or MRI scans.
These tests can unveil underlying soft tissue damage, fractures, or other hidden injuries that may not be immediately apparent.
Once diagnosed, seeking prompt medical attention is crucial for managing whiplash effectively. Tailored treatment plans aim to alleviate pain and promote a swift recovery.
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is a cornerstone of whiplash treatment. It involves targeted exercises to strengthen neck muscles, improve range of motion, and alleviate pain. Skilled therapists may also employ techniques like manual therapy to address specific soft tissue injuries.
- Pain Management: Pain management strategies, including over-the-counter or prescription medications, can mitigate discomfort. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often recommended to reduce inflammation.
- Chiropractic Care: Chiropractors specialize in spinal health and can offer adjustments and manipulations to realign the spine, relieve pain, and improve mobility.
Importance of Following Medical Advice
Adhering to medical advice is paramount for a swift and thorough recovery from whiplash. Disregarding recommendations can lead to prolonged pain and potential complications.
Avoiding Further Injury:
Following medical advice ensures the injured area is not subjected to additional strain or trauma. This prevents exacerbation of the injury and promotes a smoother healing process.
Monitoring Progress:
Regular follow-ups with healthcare providers enable them to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. This proactive approach ensures that any emerging issues are promptly addressed.
Legal Implications:
Adhering to medical advice is crucial for legally establishing a strong personal injury claim. This is one of the first things a whiplash attorney will tell you. It demonstrates a commitment to recovery and bolsters the case for compensation.
Compensation for Whiplash Injury Victims
If you've suffered a whiplash injury in Yonkers, New York, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation. Understanding the types of compensation available is crucial for ensuring you receive fair restitution for your pain and suffering. Here are the key categories of compensation for whiplash injury victims:
Medical Expenses:
This includes all costs associated with your medical treatment, from initial emergency care to follow-up appointments, diagnostic tests, medication, and rehabilitation. It's imperative to keep detailed records of all medical bills and expenses incurred due to your whiplash injury.
Property Damage:
In addition to personal injuries, whiplash accidents may damage your vehicle or other property. Payment for damage to property in car crashes can cover repairs, replacement costs, and other accident-related expenses.
Lost Wages:
If your whiplash injury has prevented you from working, you may be eligible for financial compensation for lost wages. This encompasses your lost income and any future earning capacity the injury has impacted.
Rehabilitation Costs:
Whiplash injuries often require rehabilitation and physical therapy to regain full functionality. These costs should be factored into your compensation claim, covering expenses related to specialized care and therapies for your recovery.
Pain and Suffering:
Whiplash injuries can result in significant physical pain and emotional distress. Compensation for pain and suffering aims to provide restitution for the non-economic damages you've endured, including the discomfort and mental anguish caused by the accident.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses:
Beyond medical bills and property damage, you may have incurred various out-of-pocket expenses related to your injury. These can range from transportation costs to medical appointments to the cost of assistive devices or modifications to your living space to accommodate your injury.
Loss of Consortium:
In cases where a whiplash injury has significantly affected your relationship with a spouse or partner, you may be eligible for compensation for loss of consortium. This is intended to address the impact of the injury on your ability to enjoy a normal, affectionate relationship.
Contact a Yonkers Whiplash Injury Lawyer
It doesn't matter how you sustained your injury; you should always seek professional assistance. When you're trying to get more information on how to claim compensation for your damages, and you need a lawyer for whiplash injury, you can find the finest, respected, and experienced lawyers at The Ward Law Group.
In the last 12 years, we have helped thousands of people win settlements that will provide them with financial security for the rest of their lives. They were suffering from severe injuries, and we helped them by bringing justice and making the responsible parties pay for their negligent acts.
We understand how stressful and overwhelming your case can be. Let us alleviate your pain by taking care of your legal situation. Call us at 855-DOLOR-55 for a free consultation.