Everything You Need to Know About Whiplash Injuries

At Swartz & Swartz PC., we know that the injuries sustained from getting into a car accident are often more than meets the eye.

At Swartz & Swartz PC., we know that the injuries sustained from getting into a car accident are often more than meets the eye. A serious but often overlooked injury commonly associated with car accidents is whiplash – a neck injury that occurs when a person’s neck is bent forcibly forward and then backward, or vice versa.

The injury itself, which is still not always well understood, even within the medical community, usually involves the muscles, discs, nerves, and tendons in your neck. In today’s blog post we are going to take a close look at whiplash from a personal injury context. 

What causes a whiplash?

Most whiplash injuries result from your car, truck or bicycle colliding with something else that includes sudden acceleration or deceleration. Often, whiplash injuries occur when you are involved in a rear-end car crash. They also happen as a result of a sports injury, particularly during contact sports – think rugby and football. 

What are the most common symptoms of a whiplash?

• Neck pain
• Neck stiffness
• Shoulder pain
• Low back pain
• Dizziness
• Pain in your arm or hand
• Numbness in your arm or hand
• Ringing in your ears
• Blurred vision
• Concentration or memory problems
• Irritability
• Sleeplessness
• Tiredness

It’s critical to note that symptoms of whiplash may seem like other conditions and medical problems. That’s why you should always see your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis. 

How can whiplash be diagnosed?

• X-ray: Electromagnetic energy beams make images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film. Note that many whiplash injuries include damage to soft tissue that can’t be seen on X-rays.
• MRI: Large magnets and a computer make detailed images of organs and soft tissue structures in your body.
• CT scan: X-rays and computer technology make detailed images of any part of your body, including your bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general X-rays.

You should also try to document your injury and recovery, which means visiting your doctor for check-ups, for example, and following through with recommended treatments until your symptoms are fully resolved. The more medical evidence you have the better.

Depending on the circumstances of your car accident, you may be entitled to damages, or compensation, for your injury. Damages may include:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Past and future income loss
• Lost earning capacity
• Permanent disability
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident by another driver, please contact us. We are here to answer your questions and discuss how you can protect your legal rights. You can arrange an appointment with one of attorneys in our Boston office by calling (617) 742-1900, or toll-free at 1-800-545-3732.