- December 20, 2019
What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a common injury in motor vehicle accidents and falls. Insurance adjusters often dismiss whiplash as a “minor” injury that does not require medical attention. However, whiplash can be extremely painful and limit movement. In some cases, chronic whiplash can have long-term health consequences for some accident victims.
The Pinder Plotkin Legal Team treats all cases involving whiplash seriously. We believe that accident victims suffering from whiplash deserve to be compensated for their medical bills, physical pain, lost time from work, and other damages. We do not believe whiplash should be treated as a “minor injury” by insurance companies.
Contact Pinder Plotkin LLC by calling 410-525-5337 to learn how we can help you file an injury claim for whiplash. Our Parkville whiplash injury lawyers understand how to approach these claims and challenge insurance companies that refuse to pay valid whiplash claims.
What Causes Whiplash?
When the tendons and muscles of the neck tear and stretch, you may suffer a neck strain. On the other hand, if the ligaments in your neck stretch and tear, you may suffer a neck sprain. Neck strains and neck sprains are both commonly referred to by many people as whiplash.
Whiplash is caused by the sudden and forceful jerking motion of the head backward and forwards causing the soft tissues of the neck (ligaments, muscles, or tendons) to stretch and tear. Rear-end car crashes are one of the most common causes of whiplash because the victim’s head “whips” backward and forward from the sudden impact to the rear of the vehicle. However, whiplash can occur from any car crash, fall, or other personal injury accident that causes your head to jerk backward and forward.
What Are the Symptoms of Whiplash?
While the symptoms of whiplash may not be immediately apparent, you should know what to watch for if you suffer a neck injury. Some accident victims suffer symptoms of whiplash within hours after an accident. However, the symptoms of whiplash may not appear for several days after the injury, or minor aches and pains may become chronic and debilitating in the days and weeks following the accident.
Therefore, symptoms you should be aware of after a neck injury include:
- Stiffness when you try to move your head or look over your shoulders
- Pain that increases when you turn your head, look over your shoulders, or rock your head to the right and left
- Impaired movement or mobility
- Headaches that can begin in your neck and radiate toward the top of your head
- Tenderness or tightness in your neck
- Chronic pain that does not seem to ease or grows continuously worse with time