If you were involved in a rear-end auto accident, whiplash is a distinct possibility. It is actually an umbrella term used to describe several distinct types of soft tissue injuries to the neck that occur when the body is propelled forward at a high rate of speed. This propulsion can cause the neck to hyperextend and jerk forward and back in a whip-like motion.
Note that the word “whiplash” is no longer used by most personal injury attorneys, since it has been overused in fake or exaggerated claims. Now it is more common to name the specific injury that was sustained, such as cervical strain or hyperflexion injury. We will use the term here, though, to refer to all such similar injures.
Causes of Whiplash
Most cases of whiplash occur when a vehicle is rear-ended. However, whiplash can also be caused by a variety of other incidents that cause the neck to whip around. Here are a few:
Other types of vehicle accidents
Slip and fall cases
Winter sports accidents
Some types of child abuse
Repetitive stress injuries
Contact sports
Intentional assaults
Please note that whiplash is not only caused by high speed collisions. A range of factors can influence whether someone sustains a whiplash injury. These include, but are not limited to:
Position of the head at impact
Height
Weight
Gender
Relative size and weight of vehicles (for car accident-related whiplash)
Seating and headrest positions (for car accident-related whiplash)
Whiplash Symptoms
Symptoms of a whiplash injury often take several days to appear. Not everyone will experience a whiplash injury the same way, but if you or a loved one experience any of the following after a car crash or other trauma, it is important to see a doctor right away:
Neck pain or stiffness
Headache
Dizziness
Blurry Vision
Pain in the shoulder, arm, or upper back
Burning, tingling, or other odd sensations in the head, neck, shoulder, or arm
Any cognitive or psychological disturbances
Some people believe that soft tissue injuries, including whiplash injuries, are not that serious. In reality, though, untreated soft tissue injuries can cause long-lasting and worsening symptoms. It is extremely important to have these injuries evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim
Keep detailed records of everything involved with the incident. Write a statement of exactly what happened as soon as possible. Keep records of all doctor visits, prescriptions, and follow-up medical care. Get a written diagnosis and prognosis. If possible, get names, addresses, and phone numbers of all witnesses, as well as the person who was at fault.
Contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Whether you are working with the at fault party’s insurance company or plan to file a lawsuit, your attorney can ensure that your interests are protected and the settlement you receive is appropriate for the current and future losses you may sustain.
Bryan Stubbs, Attorney at Law, assists clients throughout the Tacoma, WA area. To protect your rights, speak to us as soon as possible after an injury. For over 50 years, our office has been helping injury sufferers recover the damages to which they are entitled. We will fight for your rights and secure the best outcome for your injury claim! BBB A+ Rating.
Contact Bryan Stubbs today at 253-383-5891 to schedule a free initial consultation. If you or a loved one have been seriously injured due to someone else’s actions or neglect, call us today.
