Rear-end car accidents are the most common cause of whiplash injuries. There can, however, be other causes for whiplash. The cause and effect of whiplash injuries can become quite complex.
A personal injury lawyer from Robert J. DeBry & Associates can assist with any queries you may have. We have experts available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to help you.
What is Whiplash?
Whiplash is caused by a sudden and forceful head movement sideways, backward, or forwards. This movement causes the neck to be stretched beyond its normal range of motion, causing damage to tendons, muscles, and ligaments.
It is estimated that more than 3 million new cases of whiplash occur every year in the USA. While most people will fully recover, a percentage of people will suffer from ongoing pain and disability.
How do I Know if my Whiplash is Serious?
There are some key indicators when determining if you might be prone to chronic injury from your whiplash. Severe neck pain and limited movement, mainly if the pain radiates out from your neck and through your arms, are two such indicators.
Swelling in the neck, headaches, muscle spasms, and dizziness are other factors that could indicate a severe whiplash. If you have difficulty concentrating, swallowing, or blurred vision, you should see a doctor straight away.
Other Issues That Affect Your Whiplash
Your whiplash may be more severe if you had had a previous injury or existing back or neck pain. As with most injuries, the older you are, the more likely you have more severe issues.
Pain from whiplash may not appear until up to 12 hours after the incident. Swelling and bruising particularly may take several days to develop.
It is essential to talk to a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. Contact the highly experienced attorneys at Robert J. DeBry and Associates for assistance with all of your needs.