How Dangerous is a Whiplash Injury?

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Car Accidents

One of the most common injuries suffered in car accidents is whiplash. This is particularly true in rear-end collisions. Approximately 120,000 people sustain whiplash each year. Yet while the injuries are usually minor, a victim can end up with permanent damage if not treated properly.

What is Whiplash?

Whiplash occurs when a person’s head is moved forward and backward with great force. This force can cause the ligaments and muscles of the neck to pull beyond their normal range of motion. Although one of the most common causes of whiplash is motor vehicle accidents, this injury can occur in any type of accident which causes this type of force on the head, such as falls, sports accidents, or physical assault.

For minor whiplash injuries, doctors usually recommend rest and avoiding any kind of heavy physical activity. More serious cases can result in the need for extensive physical rehabilitation and/or surgery. When this happens, accident victims often face high medical expenses, as well as loss of income from being unable to work.

Symptoms of Whiplash

Symptoms of whiplash—like many accident injuries—may not appear for several days after the accident. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention after an accident, even if you think you are fine. Common signs of whiplash include:

• Neck stiffness and pain;
• Headaches radiating from the base of the skull;
• Blurred vision;
• Dizziness;
• Fatigue;
• Concentration or memory difficulties;
• Ringing in ears;
• Trouble sleeping; and
• Irritability.

Whiplash Complications

In most cases, it takes about three months for a whiplash injury to heal; however, there are victims who suffer whiplash injuries who end up with long-term or permanent medical issues, such as chronic headaches or pain which lasts for years. This is often traced back to damage sustained in the accident to disks, ligaments, or neck joints.

Victims who suffer from chronic pain from whiplash often had a quick onset of symptoms following the accident of severe pain to the neck, as well as pain spreading down their arms.

Contact an Illinois Car Accident Attorney Today

If you have suffered a whiplash or any other type of injury in a car crash caused by another driver, contact a skilled Orland Park personal injury attorney to discuss what kind of legal recourse you may have with regard to your case. Contact Issa Law, LLC at 708-966-2408 for a free consultation. Attorney Khaled Issa has more than three decades of legal experience and has built a solid reputation of advocating for clients to ensure they receive the financial compensation they deserve for their injuries.