Most people are familiar with the image of an auto accident victim taking the witness stand in a neck braces to fake or exaggerate an injury commonly suffered in car accidents—whiplash. For this reason, many attorneys do not like to use the term whiplash in court, instead calling it neck hyperflexion, hyperextension, or a neck sprain or strain. However, this does not mean that whiplash is not a very real injury that can cause severe discomfort, pain, and difficulty with everyday tasks. If you have suffered whiplash in any type of accident, you should always contact a Fayette County personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to help you recover.
Whiplash is caused when the neck is suddenly jerked forward and then sharply and quickly snapped backward. A range of injuries may result from such a neck snap, including damage to ligaments, tendons, or soft tissue. All of these injuries are referred to as forms of whiplash. Though whiplash is most commonly associated with motor vehicle accidents, and more specifically rear-end accidents, whiplash and related injuries may always occur in other types of accidents or incidents. These include slip and fall accidents, falls from heights, contact sports such as hockey or football, repetitive stress activities on the job, and physical assaults.
Whiplash can be very painful and may have symptoms that include:
- Stiffness and pain in the neck
- Headaches or dizziness
- Vision problems
- Difficulty sleeping
- Pain in shoulders, arms, or back
- Limited range of motion in the neck
Sometimes whiplash symptoms are not immediately apparent, so following an accident you should be aware of new developing symptoms or signs that you have a neck injury. You should seek medical attention if you believe you may have suffered whiplash or a related injury.
Finally, if you have suffered whiplash, you should contact a personal injury attorney to help you get compensated for your injuries by the responsible party. A dedicated Clayton County PI attorney from Shane Smith Law will work to make sure you receive the settlement you deserve. Contact our office today at (980) 246-2656.