Whiplash is one of the most common injuries suffered by accident victims. Although it may appear deceptive at first, whiplash can have a long-lasting effect on the victim’s day-to-day life. With the right treatment plan, victims can recover after a few weeks but some people may experience long-lasting neck pain. Understanding the nature of this injury, how it happens, how can we prevent it, and what to do after sustaining it can go a long way in recovery from the car accident.
What Is Whiplash?
Commonly caused by rear-end collisions, whiplash occurs when the neck is forced to move back and forth, like the cracking of a whip. This movement can strain or tear the soft tissues – ligaments and muscles – in the neck. Although often associated with car accidents, whiplash can also result from sports injuries, falls, or other incidents involving sudden force to the neck. While many cases resolve within a few weeks, others may lead to chronic pain and complications.
Common Symptoms Of Whiplash
Common symptoms of whiplash often start after a few days from the accident and can include:
- Neck pain and stiffness.
- Pain that gets worse with neck movement.
- Loss of range of motion in the neck.
- Headaches, most often starting at the base of the skull.
- Tenderness or pain in the shoulder, upper back, or arms.
- Tingling or numbness in the arms.
- Tiredness.
- Dizziness.
- Blurred vision.
- Ringing in the ears, called tinnitus.
- Insomnia.
- Trouble focusing.
- Memory problems.
- Depression.
How Can a Motor Vehicle Accident Cause Whiplash?
Whiplash most commonly occurs in rear-end collisions. In the instance of one car being struck from behind, the forward movement of the body is restrained while the head lags, producing a snapping motion. This movement can damage the neck’s delicate structures, including:
- Muscles and Ligaments: Strained or torn due to rapid stretching.
- Cervical Spine Discs: Damage or displacement may occur.
- Nerves: Compression or irritation caused by the abrupt motion.
What To Do If You’re Suffering From Whiplash After Car Accident
If you think you’re experiencing whiplash after a car accident, there are some steps you need to take to prevent further complications:
1 . Immediate Medical Care
Talk to the doctor immediately after the symptoms start showing. It’s important to remember that early medical intervention can significantly improve your chances of recovering faster from the injury. Your doctor will assess your injury, run diagnostic tests, and create a treatment plan that will focus on pain management, restoring the range of motion in your neck in order for you to get back to your daily life.
2. Follow Your Treatment Plan
If you fail to follow your treatment plan, you will not be able to see any positive changes in your pain or the range of motion in your neck. Strictly adhere to the treatment plan your doctor has given you..
3. Document Everything
Document your symptoms, visits to the doctor, and treatment plans if you want to pursue compensation and recover damages due to the car accident. Your New York car accident lawyer will use this information as evidence.
Damages Caused by Whiplash from a Motor Vehicle Accident
Whiplash from a motor vehicle accident can negatively affect different aspects of the victim’s life. Below are damages that may be caused by whiplash from a car accident:
- Economic Damages: these are the types of damages that can be easily calculated. They may include medical costs, such as doctor visits, physical therapy and pain medication costs, follow-up visits to assess the progress, etc. Other than medical bills, economic damages cover the lost wages, in other words, the victim’s lost income due to the recovery period that prevented them from working. Along with lost wages, loss of earning capacity may also be covered in cases when the victim has lost the ability to continue working due to the injury. Economic damages include property damage, too, which means the repair or replacement costs of the property that’s been involved in the accident (mostly your vehicle).
- Non-economic Damages: compared to economic damages, non-economic damages are harder to calculate and involve intangible costs such as physical pain and suffering caused by the accident; psychological distress which may be represented as anxiety, depression, PTSD, etc.; loss of enjoyment of life due to the psychological problems, and more.
- Punitive Damages: when the accident was caused by a particularly dangerous, reckless, or intentional behavior, the victim can be entitled to punitive damages which, unlike compensatory damages, often serve as a warning and focus on the conduct of a wrong-doer.
How can I Reduce My Risk or Prevent Whiplash?
While it’s true that you cannot fully eliminate the risk of whiplash, there are measures you can take to prevent yourself from this injury:
- Adjust your headrest to a height that is level with the top of your head and as close to the back of your head as possible.
- Wear your seatbelt. Properly worn seatbelts can help stabilize your body in a crash.
- Avoid tailgating, since this can increase the likelihood of being in a rear-end collision.
- Drive defensively by anticipating dangers and avoiding sudden stops or impact.
- Choose a car with safety features that have advanced headrest designs and crash prevention systems.
How Can a Lawyer Help You Recover Compensation for Whiplash Damages?
Recovering from a car accident, especially one involving whiplash can be quite daunting and irritating, a personal injury lawyer will be instrumental in your recovery. They will help you in evaluating your case and determining the value of your injuries, organizing evidence, negotiating with insurance companies for fair compensation, and representing you in court if an amicable settlement cannot be reached. With the expertise of an attorney, you can spend more time recovering and let them worry about the legal nuances of your case.