“Whiplash” Is Often No Joke

“Whiplash,” which is a term used to describe a number of different injuries to the neck, has often been mocked and maligned in TV sitcoms as an exaggerated or faked injury, usually accompanied by a neck brace. The reality, however, is that the numerous injuries to the neck that are often referred to as “whiplash” can in fact be serious, painful, and debilitating.

Neck Injuries From Rear-End Collisions and Other Accidents

The most common way people suffer from whiplash and neck injuries is through rear-end collisions. In a rear-end collision, the front car will be propelled forward. The occupants of that car, unprepared for the impact and with their torsos restrained by seat belts, will find their heads suddenly thrust forward and snapped immediately back. Even impacts at low speed can cause serious neck injuries, and factors such as the size, posture, and position of the car’s occupants as well as the relative sizes and makes of the cars involved can play a role in how serious the resulting neck injuries will be.

Though rear-end collisions are by far the most common manner in which whiplash and neck injuries occur, other sudden and unexpected impacts on the neck and head can lead to the same type of injuries. Impacts from contact sports, slips and falls, intentional assaults, and other kinds of car accidents can lead to similar injuries.

Whiplash Symptoms

One of the important things to know about whiplash and neck injuries is that the pain and discomfort may not appear for days after the accident or incident. Common symptoms include:

• headache
• dizziness
• blurred vision
• shoulder, arm, or back pain
• neck pain and stiffness
• decreased range of motion
• burning, prickling, tingling in arms
• sleep disturbance, fatigue, or trouble concentrating

The sometimes delayed onset of neck injury and whiplash symptoms is yet another reason to always seek medical attention after a car accident or other incident. If you do have a potential claim for compensation for your injury, failure to get immediate medical attention can make your chances of a recovery more difficult.

James “Jim” Nugent: Your Connecticut Personal Injury Lawyer

I’ve worked hard to build a reputation as one of Connecticut’s premier lawyers advocating for injury victims’ rights, getting results for my clients for over 30 years. If you have suffered a personal injury or catastrophic injury, call me today at (203) 795-1111 for a free consultation.