If you have ever had whiplash in a vehicle accident on an icy Iowa highway, you understand how dangerous it can be. Unfortunately, it is also an ailment that many individuals do not seek treatment for or are unaware they have until their neck, head, or back pain becomes severe. By then, you may have acquired problems or worsened the injury, which is why knowing what to do for whiplash after an accident is so important. RSH Legal – Iowa Personal Injury Lawyers can guide you on your legal options following such an injury, so schedule a consultation today.
Whiplash – what is it?
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by strong, fast back-and-forth movement of the neck, similar to the snap of a whip. A rear-end automobile collision is characterized by fast back-and-forth movement, which is why whiplash injuries are prevalent.
During a rea-end vehicle collision, the body is pushed forward while the head lags, causing hyperextension of the neck. When the head and neck have achieved their maximum extension, the neck snaps into flexion, catching up with the head. This back-and-forth movement occurs so swiftly that the person is unaware of what has occurred until the pain reaches the body.
The pain from an ordinary whiplash injury is generally caused by damage to the neck muscles, intervertebral joints, or cervical spine discs. In more severe whiplash injuries, the nerve roots in the cervical spine may be injured as well, causing neurological and cognitive problems.
Get medical care immediately.
You should not attempt to self-diagnose your injuries following a vehicle collision. Some whiplash symptoms, such as neck discomfort or a headache, might also indicate potentially more serious injuries, such as a broken vertebra or a traumatic brain injury. Go to the emergency room and let the specialists do their thing. Whiplash diagnosis and treatment are not do-it-yourself projects.
A whiplash is a tricky form of injury since symptoms may not appear for a day or two. Often, trauma specialists in the emergency department can detect damage that you have not yet seen.
As with other injuries, the initial 24 to 72 hours can have a long-term impact on how well you recover. Instead of taking a chance, get medical assistance promptly to give yourself the best chance of healing properly.
Can you sue for whiplash injuries?
Yes, anybody who suffers a whiplash injury in a vehicle accident has the right to file a claim for medical expenditures (past and future), lost wages (past and anticipated future losses), and, in the case of a permanent injury, pain and suffering damages.
Contact a vehicle accident lawyer immediately. Your attorney will work hard to obtain all of the money you deserve for your whiplash injury.
