Why is Whiplash so Common in Car Accidents

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries victims of car accidents suffer from. What many do not realize is the reality that whiplash sufferers may have to contend with pain for many years to come. The result could mean years of ongoing medical treatment to manage the pain associated with whiplash. Future medical expenses may arise following a car accident making it vital to work with an attorney to obtain a settlement that helps pay for treatment down the road.

The repercussions of a car accident can feel like a setback. Although it’s important to take action with your attorney to obtain the compensation you are entitled to, the process can take time. Moving on from an accident can be completed most efficiently with a Fort Collins car accident lawyer experienced in personal injury claims.

What is Whiplash?

In order to prove any type of injury obtained in a car accident, it’s necessary for you to seek treatment from a medical professional. Unfortunately, someone may ignore pain caused by whiplash, believing that it will eventually dissipate and go away. By not seeking a medical professional, you risk not receiving the treatment you need.

Whiplash is an injury that occurs upon sudden impact to a person’s neck. When a person is rear ended, they do not have the time to brace themselves. Because of this, a person does not stiffen their neck in the way you probably would if you saw the car coming. When whiplash occurs, soft tissue in the neck is damaged as the result of the neck being abruptly forced in a back and forth motion. Recovery from whiplash can vary. Some may recover quickly while others may suffer with years of pain. Symptoms from whiplash may include:

• Back pain
• Vision Problems
• Shoulder Problems
• Headaches

Not only will medical treatment help repair the problem, it’s also a primary way of collecting evidence of your injuries to prove the damages you have suffered from the accident.

Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD)

Whiplash Associated Disorders are a serious consequence to traditional whiplash injuries. Not only is whiplash incredibly painful, in cases of whiplash associated disorder, accident sufferers may experience psychological symptoms such as:

• Depression
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Anxiety
• Psychological Problems
• Difficulty in making Decisions

These emotional issues are sometimes difficult for an accident victim to identify. If you have been suffering mental health issues following an accident, you will want to share this information with your attorney and seek treatment from your doctor.  

Treating Whiplash from a Car Accident

When it comes to car accidents, whiplash most commonly occurs when the victim is rear ended by another driver. It’s vital to seek treatment for whiplash. Your doctor will examine you to confirm your whiplash diagnosis, they may also order other tests such as X-Rays, Ct Scans, and MRIs to rule out any other medical issues. Your provider may treat your whiplash in a number of ways, including:

• Pain Medication
• Rest
• Physical Therapy
• Chiropractic Care
• Exercise
• Massage
• Acupuncture

Tissue damage from whiplash may cause significant problems to occur. It’s important that you not suffer through this injury by not seeking medical care. Treatment from medical professionals is an important element to recover from whiplash following a car accident.