What is Whiplash?
We’ve all seen it before: a minor car accident on the side of the road. Both cars have a few dents, both drivers are furious, and yet it appears that no one was hurt. We may dismiss it from our mind and continue driving on our way.
Although most car accidents are minor, the injuries that a person can receive from a minor car accident, even one where collisions occurred at only 15 miles per hour, can be serious. Whiplash is one of the most common injuries received in car accidents.
Whiplash is classified as an injury to the soft tissues in the neck. This can include damage to the muscles in the neck and spine, as well as the ligaments. Whiplash occurs when the neck is strained due to over-extension and flexion, meaning the neck is pushed beyond its normal range of motion.
There are many symptoms associated with whiplash including muscle pain, swelling around the neck, and sharp pains through the shoulders and neck. More serious symptoms can be memory and concentration loss, nervousness, sleeplessness, and depression.
Not only is whiplash a serious physical condition, but also averages economic damages up to 30 billion dollars every year. These damages include:
- Sick leave and loss of production from injured workers
- Medical treatment
- Disability pay from the government
- Lawsuits
Whiplash in America is a very common and very serious injury incurred from minor car accidents. If you believe you whiplash from a car accident you should seek legal council.
Contact the Rhinelander Personal Injury Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been in a car accident and believe you have whiplash, contact the Rhinelander personal injury lawyers of Habush, Habush, & Rottier at 1-800-822-1690.