Rear-end car accidents, even when they are seemingly minor, can leave serious injuries in their wake. These are among the most common collisions on the road and happen when the car following behind strikes the one in front due to a sudden stop or the rear driver being distracted. Whiplash is the most common injury stemming from this type of accident, even if the vehicles were traveling at low speeds. If you have been involved in a read-end accident, it is important that you retain the services of an experienced car accident attorney who can assist you in maximizing your claim.
Whiplash Can Occur Even at Slow Speeds
Medical research has shown that even when two vehicles involved in a rear-end collision are traveling at speeds as low as 5 miles per hour, this accident can result in whiplash injuries. These injuries include moderate to severe neck and cervical injuries with herniated discs and pain. It happens because of the sudden impact at the rear of a vehicle can result in the individual’s head being thrown forward while their neck hyperextends. The person’s head then goes back harshly against the seat, which further hyperextends the neck. When the individual’s head is whipped back and forth with such force and speed, the result is a whiplash injury.
Common Symptoms of Whiplash Injuries
Anyone who has been involved in even a seemingly minor rear-end accident should immediately seek medical attention. It’s important to have a medical exam for a potentially devastating whiplash injury. In many instances, you might feel perfectly fine right after a rear-end car accident, but your symptoms can manifest later when your adrenaline isn’t running quite so high. An experienced car accident attorney can assist you in getting medical treatment from medical professionals who are experienced in treating individuals who have been involved in car accidents. They will be able to properly diagnose a whiplash injury. Symptoms of whiplash include the following:
- Neck pain and stiffness
• Headaches
• Blurred vision
• Dizziness
• Pain in the shoulders, back or arms
• Tingling or burning sensation
• Muscle spasms
• Fatigue
• Decreased range of motion
• Anxiety
• Memory problems
In the most minor instances of whiplash, symptoms like neck pain and stiff neck should subside anywhere from a few days or three months. However, up to half of all people who suffer this type of injury have neck pain that remains with them for a year or even longer. Many of the other symptoms may also be present during that time.
It’s important to note that symptoms such as severe pain and memory problems are considered serious, so seeing a doctor is even more urgent. These are symptoms of a long-lasting, serious whiplash injury that can even be permanent. You should also consult with an experienced car accident attorney who can help you prepare a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver to recover compensation for your medical expenses, ongoing treatment, lost wages and other damages. A car accident attorney can ensure that you get everything you deserve.
Why is Whiplash Dangerous?
Whiplash injuries are extremely dangerous and can lead to the worsening of your symptoms if you don’t seek immediate treatment after a rear-end accident. In addition to the whiplash itself, there is a greater risk of experiencing other, debilitating injuries such as traumatic brain injury. This can easily occur as a result of your head being whipped forward and striking the steering wheel. Many people involved in rear-end collisions suffer both whiplash and traumatic brain injury.
A Car Accident Attorney Can Help
An experienced car accident attorney can assist you in maximizing your claim. When you are diagnosed with whiplash injuries your medical bills can be substantial and your recovery time may be long. So you could experience loss of wages and potentially loss of employment, due to not being able to work because of your injuries. Your car accident attorney will be able to guide you through the complex legal system and they will be able to know if any settlement offer is a strong offer or if it is too low. You should never handle a car accident on your own, especially if you have had an injury like whiplash from a rear end accident.
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