Car Accident Whiplash Symptoms

Whiplash is an injury caused by the neck and head being whipped back and forth suddenly and with force, usually in an automobile accident.  Whiplash usually causes injury to the head and neck, but may also cause injury to the shoulder and back.  The injury is usually caused to the muscles and soft tissues in the body.  In addition, there is also seat belt whiplash, where there is laceration, pain, bruising and trauma caused by the bracing of the car seatbelt with one’s body during a car accident.

Whiplash Symptoms after a Car Accident

The symptoms of whiplash include the following:

• headaches immediately after the accident or several hours later
• neck pain
• neck stiffness
• blurred vision/vision problems
• shoulder pain
• dizziness
• nausea
• vomiting
• muscle tenderness
• confusion
• difficulty concentrating/remembering
• loss of motion
• ringing in the ears
• pain in the back
• muscle spasms
• tingling in the face

Long Term Problems

Whiplash can cause other problems which can be long term or permanent.  For example, whiplash neck injuries can cause extensive and permanent damage to one’s inter-vertebral joints, discs, cervical muscles and nerves. Consequently, one may face permanent disability due to the injury or have one’s lifestyle severely curtailed due to the impact of the injury caused by the whiplash.

Filing a Claim and Lawyer Help

If one whiplash injuries due to a car accident, one should consider retaining an experienced personal injury whiplash attorney.  An experienced attorney can evaluate one’s case and determine what options one may have with respect to the case.  In addition, the attorney can assist one in selecting the most appropriate option in the matter.

Liability Issues

Frequently, whiplash is challenged by insurance companies.  Many times, injuries are challenged on the grounds that the injuries may be pre-existing.  Another argument is that the injured party may have an underlying disease or health condition which aggravates or exacerbates the injury.  These legal issues can be effectively handled by an experienced personal injury attorney who can properly defend against these arguments.