Whiplash is one of the most common injuries a person sustains during a car accident. It’s caused by force, like a sudden stop, pushing the head beyond what’s normal. It can result in injury to the muscles, soft tissue, and ligaments in the neck. Sometimes it’s relatively minor and heals itself within a week and in other cases it can last for life. Read on to get more information about this injury. If you were hurt in a car accident, reach out to Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.
What causes whiplash?
While most people associate whiplash injuries with car accidents, there are actually many ways in which people suffer these injuries. The most common examples other than car accidents are truck accidents, construction accidents, motorcycle accidents, and slip and fall accidents. They can also involve pedestrians who are standing still being hit by a car from behind. The sudden impact will result in their neck snapping forward and then back.
What are the signs of whiplash?
Every case of whiplash is different but some of the most common signs and symptoms include muscle spasms in the back, pain in the neck, shoulder, or back, swollen neck or shoulder, and having a difficult time moving the neck or head. It’s common for those symptoms to come along with facial pain, headaches, and jaw tension. In severe cases, whiplash can cause ringing in the ears, issue with vision, and symptoms that are similar to those that show up after a spinal cord injury.
How long does it take to heal from whiplash?
It depends on how serious your injury was, whether or not you got medical help, and how well your body responds to whatever therapy your physician suggests. It will take time. That said, most people find that they’re back to normal functionality within a few months. Only in the most serious of cases will a person be permanently injured.
Who pays for the treatment for whiplash?
Ideally, the insurance company of the person at fault for your accident would pay for all treatments related to whiplash. This is why you must get a thorough evaluation from the doctor before accepting any insurance settlements. It’s possible that you’ll have minor symptoms initially but that the problem is more serious than it appears on the surface. You’ll need a doctor to assess your long-term medical costs before settling with an insurance company.
Where can I get answers to the rest of my questions about whiplash injuries?
If you have been injured and have whiplash – or believe that you do – then it’s time to reach out to Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas. Our offices are here to provide a free legal consultation, just call us at 909-982-0707. We can let you know if you have a case, what your options are, and what you can likely expect. If someone else was at fault for your accident then you shouldn’t be responsible for the financial consequences. Call us today and let us help you.
