Whiplash is an injury of the neck caused by a sudden, strong back-and-forth movement of the neck, similar to a whip’s cracking. Whiplash is usually caused by rear-end auto accidents but can also result from various accidents. Most whiplash patients recover in a few weeks by following a treatment plan made up of pain medication and exercise. Some people, however, experience chronic neck pain and other long-term problems. If you have experienced whiplash due to an accident, talk to a personal injury lawyer in los angeles today.
What are the symptoms of whiplash?
The symptoms or signs of whiplash may take up to a few days to fully develop. These symptoms can include:
- Stiffness or pain in the neck
- Neck movement causes a worsening of pain
- Headaches, typically starting at the base of the skull
- Losing range of motion of the neck
- Pain or tenderness in the upper back, shoulders, or arms
- Numbness or tingling in the arms
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
Although these symptoms are more uncommon, some people may also experience the following:
- Blurred vision
- Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears
- Irritability
- Sleep disturbances
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
- Depression
If you experience any of the above symptoms for a prolonged period, you must see a doctor and get a proper check-up. You should also not rule out the possibility of other injuries after your accident that you were unaware of.
What are the causes of whiplash?
Whiplash usually happens when your head is violently flung backward and then forward. This motion can injure the spine’s bones, ligaments, and disks between the bones, nerves, muscles, and other neck tissues.
Some of the causes of whiplash injuries are:
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Auto accidents
Auto accidents, specifically rear-end collisions, are a huge cause of whiplash injuries.
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Physical abuse or assault
Being punched or shaken can also cause whiplash.
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Contact sports
Contact sports, such as football, or other collisions related to sports, can sometimes result in whiplash injuries.
File an insurance claim.
If your whiplash injury is caused by an auto accident, you should file a claim as soon as possible. Certain deadlines or statutes of limitations are in place, which is why it is important to act fast. However, keep in mind that whiplash claims can be very complex. Always consult an attorney before you make any legal decisions.
Talk to a lawyer today.
If you have suffered whiplash or any other injuries due to an accident caused by someone else’s fault, you deserve compensation. Get in touch with an experienced personal injury attorney to determine what steps to take next and protect your rights.
