Whiplash is one of the most common injuries to result from a car accident. Even a low speed accident can cause whiplash due to the sudden back and forth motion the crash exerts on the neck and head. Treating whiplash can prove difficult, especially when there are additional injuries involved. Below, we look at some car accident injuries that can potentially accompany a whiplash injury. It is critical that all car accident victims obtain a full medical evaluation to check for whiplash and like injuries.
Cuts and Bruises
Cuts and bruises, like whiplash, will commonly result from the head “whipping” back and forth in a crash. There are many potential sources of cuts and bruises, including the head hitting the dash, the back of the seat, or the airbag. Cuts and bruises should receive first aid treatment so that they heal correctly and do not give rise to infection or other complications.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
During a car crash, the head of the accident victim whips back and forth with considerable speed and force. While headrests can reduce the impact of the crash, they can result in a concussion when the head hits the headrest. Other sources of a traumatic brain injury include the victim’s head hitting the steering wheel, window, or the dash. Anytime the head hits an object, a concussion or an even more serious traumatic brain injury can result.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The same motion that causes whiplash can harm the spinal cord. The discs within the spine can become dislocated, causing discs to herniate or bulge. The out of place disc can pinch surrounding nerves, causing beck pain and potentially even permanent nerve damage. It is common for whiplash suffers to also be diagnosed with pinched nerves or bulging discs.
It is also important that car accident victims obtain swift medical attention following any crash. A number of injuries are linked to whiplash and someone who initially complains of neck pain could later be found to have additional more serious head or spinal cord injuries. The sooner you receive quality medical care, the sooner your injuries can begin healing properly.
Those injured in a car accident should also seek the assistance of a licensed automobile accident attorney. Your attorney will investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident to uncover whether the other driver acted negligently to cause your injuries. Negligent drivers can be held responsible for the whiplash and related injuries they inflict on others. Injured car accident victims should be able to seek compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, and more, depending upon the circumstances of the crash.
Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law: Dedicated Personal Injury Attorneys
Whiplash and its related injuries can result in severe pain, time off work, and limited range of motion. If you have been injured in an automobile accident, contact the Georgia Personal Injury Attorneys at Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law. Our firm helps accident victims across Georgia and in the Southeast. We have over 39 years of experience assisting injured accident victims. The sooner you act after the accident, the greater your chances of obtaining a full recovery. As such, it is important that you seek the assistance of a licensed lawyer as soon as possible. Call Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law, 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.
Source:
http://www.healthline.com/health/whiplash
http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/what-the-most-common-vehicle-accident-injuries.html
