According to estimates by the Spine Research Institute of San Diego (SRISD), as many as 3 million whiplash injuries occur each year in the U.S. alone. The risk of suffering whiplash is higher in rear-end motor vehicle crashes, intermediate in T-bone or side-impact crashes, and lower in frontal crashes. However, crash parameters and individual risk factors must likewise be considered.
In addition, while the severity of whiplash injuries varies significantly, the SRISD also found that 45% of people who suffer from chronic neck pain attributed their condition due to a previous motor vehicle crash that involved whiplash.
What Exactly is Whiplash?
Whiplash is basically a neck injury that occurs when the neck is subjected to a rapid and forceful back-and-forth movement, like the crack of a whip. It primarily affects the neck’s joints and soft tissues and can lead to temporary or chronic neck pain, among others.
It’s most usually caused by rear-end motor vehicle crashes and can occur even in low-speed crashes. While the torso is kept in place by a seat belt, it doesn’t secure the neck or head. Likewise, your neck and head may be jolted back and forth many times in a high-speed car crash, raising your risk of developing more severe and long-term injuries.
Besides motor vehicle crashes, whiplash can result from sports accidents, violent acts, and other kinds of trauma, such as falling from an elevated surface.
Common Symptoms of Whiplash Injuries
- Stiffness and pain that worsens with movement
- Reduced range of motion (ROM) in the neck on either side
- Blurry vision
- Dizziness
- Tenderness in the upper back or shoulders
- Headaches, particularly those that originate from the base of the skull
- Numbness or tingling in the arms
- Ringing in your ears (tinnitus)
- Sleep disturbances
- Unexplained irritability or fatigue
It’s crucial to remember that you must always go to your doctor for a checkup as soon as possible after an accident, even if you’re not sure that you are injured or are feeling fine. Certain conditions, such as whiplash, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and internal organ damage, may not always present symptoms right away. In some cases, receiving prompt and proper medical attention could minimize or prevent long-term complications or save your life.
In addition, getting proper and timely medical treatment will provide vital evidence if you have to pursue compensation for your injuries and accident-related losses from your insurance company or the at-fault driver’s insurer.
Get in Touch With a Skilled West Palm Beach Auto Accident Lawyer Now
Pursuing the compensation you rightly deserve for whiplash or other motor vehicle accident injuries isn’t easy. This is where the legal expertise and experience of our West Palm Beach auto accident lawyers can benefit you. If you or a loved one has suffered whiplash or other injuries in a motor vehicle crash due to another driver’s negligent actions, contact the law office of Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa right away.
To set up your free case review with one of our lawyers, send us a message online or call 561-478-2500 today.