Even the most careful drivers can be involved in a car accident, and even a minor fender bender can result in injuries, with symptoms that take days or weeks to appear. This is the case in collisions involving whiplash, one of the most common types of car accident injuries. It can take days or even weeks for a whiplash injury to be diagnosed, and the effects of these injuries may be felt for months after an accident.
A whiplash injury occurs as the result of the head being whipped back and forth due to the force of impact. A whiplash injury claim may involve damages for medical expenses and lost wages, while lasting effects such as recurring pain and the inability to engage in activities you once enjoyed may be felt for months or years.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), whiplash covers a variety of neck injuries that are common in car crashes and collisions. Caused by hyperextension, in which the neck moves beyond its usual range of motion, whiplash injuries include sprains, strains, and tears of the muscles, ligaments, and soft tissues, as well as damage to disks and vertebrae. A whiplash injury can cause pain, headaches, ringing in the ears, dizziness as well as lasting nerve damage. Whiplash represents roughly 37 percent of all car accident injuries. The IIHS reports that these injuries are among the most frequently cited in car accident injury claims. Roughly 100,000 new whiplash injury claims are reported each year.
According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of whiplash injuries include:
Neck pain and stiffness that increases with movement;If you are involved in a car accident, seek medical attention immediately, regardless of how minor your injuries appear to be. The surge of adrenaline immediately after an accident may mask your injury and lead you to believe that you are unharmed. When dealing with neck injuries, it is important to rule out tears or fractures that could leave you suffering permanent damage.
According to studies conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, whiplash injury rates have reached near epidemic proportions. While whiplash injuries have traditionally been blamed on rear end collisions, research now indicates that front and side impact collisions may be just as much to blame. The NHTSA study concluded that improper seat positioning increased the likelihood of a whiplash injury, and that women were more likely than men to suffer whiplash injuries. This may be due to the fact that women tend to sit up higher in the driver’s seat, while driving smaller vehicles that are less likely to protect them against injury.
At the Becker Law Office, we make it our business to help car accident victims get full compensation for the injuries they have suffered through the negligence of other drivers. Contact our experienced car accident attorneys today for assistance in filing a whiplash injury claim for damages. Even a minor accident can result in serious injuries, and your whiplash settlement may include compensation for ongoing medical costs, lost wages and future losses of income and benefits, as well as compensation for pain and suffering. When your health and future wellbeing are on the line, make sure you receive the aggressive legal representation you need.
