Whiplash, or neck strain, is one of the most common injuries for car accident victims. Although car accidents are usually when you hear of such injuries, any impact to the head that causes a sudden jerk forward or backward can cause the whiplash. Thus, contact sports, falling, sudden movements, or intentional torts, such as battery, can be the cause of whiplash. Whiplash also accompanies many head injuries such as concussions. It is important to check for neck injuries in conjunction with any head trauma. The way to diagnose these injuries is with movement tests, CT scans, or x-rays. It is important for a medical professional to be able to diagnose soft tissue damage, so sometimes patients may need to request more advanced testing equipment.
Symptoms of whiplash include pain in the neck area, a decreased range of motion, and headaches. Typically, the pain will manifest immediately while the other symptoms may develop over the course of a few hours to a few days. It is best for those injured to continue to seek medical care after the initial accident for medical professionals to more precisely diagnose injuries that occur later. Treatment for whiplash involves icing the neck area, wearing a neck brace, massage, or taking painkillers. Physical therapy may also be necessary to strengthen the neck muscles. A combination of these practices may be necessary over several months for complete recovery.
It is important to do everything correctly to get the largest possible settlement:
- Seek medical attention immediately. Any delay will look as if you are not really injured.
- Continue with treatment. Even if you feel better, do not assume that you will naturally strengthen and heal on your own.
- Seek legal advice as soon as possible. Many personal injury attorneys offer free consultations so there is no harm in making sure you have done everything to maximize your damages.
- Keep all records. Make sure to keep all medical bills, car repair receipts, photos, and any other documentation relating to the accident.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not to be construed as legal advice. Do not rely on the above information as all cases are different and different laws apply to different cases. Consult an attorney in your area for further guidance. If you were injured by whiplash call one of our attorneys at David K. Kremin & Associates, and we will give you a free consultation. We never charge unless we collect for you. Please call 1(800) ASK-A-LAWYER or 1(800)275-2529, askalawyer@aol.com, www.1800askalawyer.com.