What Causes Whiplash in Car Accidents?
The sudden force and impact involved in car accidents can have devastating effects on the human body. Victims can suffer mild to severe nerve, muscle, or soft tissue injury. When this damage happens around the neck, causing muscle sprains or strains, it is referred to as whiplash. Whiplash is a common car accident injury that could cause problems if ignored.
Understanding what causes whiplash in car accidents can help you protect yourself from future injuries. It could also help you identify your symptoms and get them treated promptly.
If you sustain whiplash in a car accident, you could be eligible for compensation for your medical costs and other related bills. Contact a Tucson Personal Injury Attorney to discuss your options.
What is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a soft tissue injury. It occurs when the muscles, ligaments, and nerves of the neck are strained or sprained. In most cases, people suffer whiplash due to the abrupt forward and backward or side-to-side motion of the neck during a collision. This overextension of the neck past its normal range can cause mild to severe whiplash.
Symptoms of Whiplash
As whiplash is a neck injury, most symptoms will manifest around the neck area. You might experience loss of range of motion, neck pain, and stiffness. These symptoms could also be accompanied by other signs, such as:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Fatigue and body weakness
- Ringing in the ears
- Tingling or numbness in the arms
The symptoms of whiplash may not manifest themselves for hours, days, or weeks after the accident. However, this doesn’t mean that you are well. Always seek medical attention immediately after an accident to be examined for whiplash and receive the necessary treatment.
How Do Car Accidents Cause Whiplash?
The speed and impact involved in a car accident can have devastating effects on the human body. They can cause mild to severe injuries or death in extremely severe cases. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, neck sprains and strains are the most commonly listed injuries in car accident insurance claims.
During a car accident, the neck and torso can be jerked in different directions vigorously. This forceful and repetitive back to front or side to side motion could significantly strain the neck muscles. This could cause the muscles and ligaments in your neck to stretch or tear. It could also cause damage to the upper spine and vertebral disks.
Whiplash injuries are common in high-speed collisions such as rear-end accidents and head-on collisions. You can reduce your risk of whiplash by installing head restraints and headrests in your vehicle. For extra support, you should adjust the restraints to rest at the top of your head.
Get Help from a Tucson Personal Injury Attorney
Now that you know what causes whiplash in car accidents, you can better understand your options after a collision. Whiplash is the effect of a sudden impact on your vehicle. It is not a simple strain that will resolve on its own. Also, because it is a direct result of your accident, you can seek damages for it.
If you have sustained a whiplash injury, seek medical attention immediately. Next, contact Karnas Law Firm to discuss your eligibility for compensation with a Tucson Personal Injury Attorney. We can help you get coverage for all medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
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