Motor vehicle accidents come along with a number of injuries. While some of the injuries are major and are immediately noticeable, there are other injuries that are more subtle. One of the more subtle injuries is whiplash. Whiplash is a serious injury that many people often overlook because it doesn't take a major crash to suffer this injury. Learning how to detect whiplash and understanding treatment options can help keep you protected in the event of an accident.
Understanding Whiplash
A whiplash injury is the result of a swift movement of the neck. It typically occurs when the impact from an accident causes an individual's neck to quickly move forward and backward. During this swift movement, the soft tissues and bone structures inside the neck get injured. Unlike some injuries, whiplash isn't always immediately noticeable.
It can take some people a considerable amount of time after an accident has occurred to discover they have suffered from whiplash. Although this condition isn't life-threatening, it can still produce a number of symptoms that have to be addressed by a medical professional.
Symptoms
Since the injury is in the neck, the symptoms of whiplash are typically centered on this part of the body. The first thing you want to look for is pain and stiffness. Typically, the injuries in the bone structures and soft tissues will cause the area to be tender.
Another symptom is an inability to move your head. In more extreme cases an individual might even have weakness in other parts of their body, including their legs, hands and arms. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms after an accident, don't overlook them, it's worth being checked out.
An Attorney on your Side
If you believe you have suffered from whiplash resulting from an accident, a firm like The Jaklitsch Law Group can fight on your behalf. An attorney can take action to help you have your whiplash injury formally diagnosed, so that you can undergo adequate treatment and document this information in your case. With this information in hand, an attorney will work hard to get you compensated for your injury as well as any financial and emotional hardships you have bared as a result of the accident.
If you believe you have whiplash, it is important that you take action. Whiplash is a real condition that requires proper care and treatment from a medical professional. Make certain your health is a priority.