Whiplash Injury Caused by an Auto Accident - Symptoms and Treatment

Most of us have heard an injury described as “whiplash” and have a general understanding of the cause and symptoms. There have been many sitcoms that have used whiplash in storyline to bring humor to the show. Usually the character who is injured will wear a soft cervical collar. However, whiplash is no laughing matter. A whiplash injury can cause tremendous pain and a lengthy recovery. Some people who are injured are forced to cope with the pain for several months. If you have been in a car accident that resulted in whiplash, you need to understand the symptoms, treatment and possible compensation associated with this injury.

Whiplash is most commonly caused by an auto accident. MedicineNet.com defines this injury as a “Hyperextension (over-extension) injury to the neck, often the result of being struck from behind, as by a fast-moving vehicle in a car accident.” The mechanics of whiplash are believed to involve the victim’s body being pushed forward with the head remaining momentarily behind. The head then rocks up and back, which can tear or stretch some muscles and ligaments. As a reflex, these muscles may overcompensate to bring the head forward.

Whiplash Symptoms
Just like most injuries, whiplash has a wide range of symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms of whiplash include the following:

• Neck pain
• Neck stiffness
• Headache
• Shoulder pain
• Shoulder stiffness
• Jaw pain
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Arm pain
• Arm weakness
• Trouble with vision
• Ringing in the ears
• Back pain

When a whiplash injury is severe and includes chronic pain it can lead to “whiplash associated disorder” symptoms, which include depression, anger, frustration, anxiety, stress, drug dependency, post-traumatic stress syndrome and insomnia.

Whiplash Treatment
After a car accident, you should seek medical attention to determine the extent of your injuries. The physician will be able to determine if you have any injuries that require medical treatment. If you are having neck pain, an x-ray may be conducted to see if there are any serious injuries. Based on the exam and tests, your doctor will recommend certain treatments if he or she suspects whiplash. You may be given a soft cervical collar for additional support for your neck. Your physician may also recommend bed rest, neck rest and physical therapy. Fortunately, a whiplash injury is not considered to be life-threatening, but it may take some time to fully recover.

Compensation for Whiplash Caused by an Auto Accident
If your car accident was the result of another driver and you sustained a whiplash injury, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries. An experienced Florida car accident attorney can review the details of your accident to determine if you have a case. If you have been injured in an auto accident caused by another driver in Florida, contact the Law Offices of William K. Saron at (866) 836-4947 for expert legal advice.