Car accidents are one of the most disruptive events that can happen in our lives, and they occur with little warning. Thankfully, not all car accidents are major collisions that result in grievous injury or even a fatality. Around the nation every day, there are thousands of accidents, many of which we might call “fender benders.” However, even if an accident event is not a high-speed rear-end collision, injuries can result from the sudden forces put on your body. Even a minor traffic accident caused by another driver’s negligence at a red light could leave you with a painful condition known as whiplash that affects your quality of life for days, weeks, or more. What should you know about this condition?
What is Whiplash? How Does It Occur?
“Whiplash” is a catch-all term designed to cover a wide range of adverse physical effects that relate to the rapid backward and forward movement of the head and neck. When you experience a car accident, the sudden impact often causes your head to snap violently back and forth from the momentum, especially as your seat belt holds you in place. The very sharp movements can cause an array of damage to the soft tissues in these areas. Whiplash often affects the muscles and tendons in your neck, as well as sometimes the nerves or even the discs in your upper spinal column.
The result of whiplash, whether it is severe or minor, can include a range of symptoms. Dizziness, blurred vision, headaches, and lingering pain and soreness in the neck area are the most common. Many people find they have a limited range of motion for some time after a car accident.
What Are the Treatments for Whiplash?
Always seek medical attention following a whiplash event. A doctor should examine you to ensure that you have not suffered a more severe internal injury than was apparent. Afterward, typical treatments include over-the-counter pain medications, treatments involving ice or heating pads, physical therapy, chiropractic treatment, orthopedic treatment, and simple bed rest.
In severe cases, muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory injections may be a part of the treatment regimen to help control pain and promote healing. Unfortunately, some people deal with symptoms from whiplash injuries on a chronic basis.
Understanding Your Potential Legal Remedies
If someone else causes an accident with your vehicle that triggers a whiplash injury, you may have specific legal remedies to explore in pursuit of compensation for financial losses or medical bills incurred. Speaking to a car accident attorney before you have pursued medical treatment is an excellent idea to ensure that your rights remain fully protected. Always speak with an attorney first before you speak with the at-fault party’s insurance carrier.
Find Help in Assessing Your Case Today
Although many whiplash injuries are minor and symptoms often resolve on their own within a few days or weeks, you may still incur medical costs in the course of assessing and treating your condition. In cases where whiplash is more severe, with long-lasting pain and injury, it is easy for costs to mount even further. You may be entitled to compensation based on the facts of your case. To explore your rights, speaking with a car accident attorney is an important step to take, especially before speaking with the at-faut party’s insurance carrier or agreeing to any settlement proposed by one party’s insurance company.
At HHJ Trial Attorneys, we field an experienced team of personal injury attorneys well-versed in this area of the law. Allow our team to focus on your case while you focus on your recovery. To learn more or to request a consultation, contact us now.
