Whiplash

Even the thought of it will cause some of us to reach for our necks and be grateful we don’t have it. Whiplash is a neck injury, commonly caused by rear-end car accidents. The rapid back and forth movement of the neck is similar to the cracking of a whip.
Other causes of whiplash include sports injuries, physical abuse or slip and fall accidents.

Every person who gets whiplash will feel it differently and heal from it differently. While some people will improve in a few weeks, others will have chronic neck pain and other complications that could last for years.

There are many signs and symptoms of whiplash. Here are some things to look out for:

Neck pain and stiffness
Increased pain with movement of the neck
Loss of range of motion in the neck
Headaches, often starting at the base of the skull
Tingling or pain in the shoulder, upper back, and/or arms
Fatigue
Dizziness

If you’ve recently been in a car accident or experienced any kind of physical trauma, it is imperative that you get examined by a medical professional within 72 hours; sooner is always better. However, if you wait more than 72 hours, some insurance companies will question or even deny your claim.

It is equally important to call our office. Some injuries don’t show up right away while other injuries show up quickly and stick around. Many insurance companies will offer a quick payment to you to settle the case; don’t be tempted to take that check. The insurance companies have entire legal teams looking out for them; you should have an experienced, compassionate attorney looking out for you. We are here to help.