Learn the Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
You’ve probably heard that an object in motion tends to stay in motion. Car accident victims often experience Newton’s first law much too personally when they suffer from whiplash injuries.
Seatbelts are a wonderful invention, saving countless lives every year. If you’re not wearing one during an accident, you’re likely to experience more severe injuries from being thrown about the car or even into the windshield. There are clear benefits to staying in your seat during a collision, but a seatbelt can’t protect you against every injury. Your body will still try to move forward, despite the restraint. When your head and neck can’t go further than the seatbelt will allow, they snap quickly back into place, causing whiplash.
Whiplash most often occurs during a rear-end collision due to the quick acceleration and deceleration it causes. But someone can experience whiplash in any car accident or even from sports injuries, falls, or violence. Though not as severe as many other possible injuries, whiplash is still very unpleasant. Its primary symptom is neck pain and stiffness, and victims often suffer from headaches, fatigue, dizziness, shoulder pain, and irritability. The symptoms may occur immediately or take up to 24 hours to appear.
If you believe you’re suffering from whiplash, you should seek the attention of a doctor immediately. A doctor can diagnose the condition and rule out more serious ailments. The visit also creates a paper trail, which you could need later.
Thankfully, most people recover from whiplash within a few weeks without lasting damage. Treatment may include a neck brace, pain medication, or physical therapy. For some people, however, whiplash can last for months or longer. Women, older people, and those who experience intense pain at the time of the accident are more likely to show extended whiplash symptoms.
A severe whiplash injury can significantly impair your quality of life and keep you from doing the things you love. If you or someone you know is suffering from extended whiplash, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries. GA Injury Advocates will be glad to review your case — give us a call today for a free consultation.
GA Injury Advocates
Latest posts by GA Injury Advocates (see all)
- Light at the End of the Tunnel - August 28, 2024
