What is a Whiplash Injury?

More than 3 million cases of Cervical Acceleration-Deceleration (CAD) Syndrome, better known as Whiplash, occur each year.  It comes as no surprise that a common cause of whiplash is rear-end car accidents – when those in affected vehicles are launched forward, then back again after impact.  Feeling neck pain as a result of a 10-car pile-up on Route 116?  Sure, but don’t discount the pain you feel after a 5 MPH Fender Bender: Whiplash cases are very common in low-speed rear-impact car accidents.  So even if there’s no physical damage to your vehicle, it doesn’t mean you walked away unscathed.

If you’ve been injured after a car accident – even a low-speed one – don’t feel afraid or ashamed to get the help you need.  Call Bottaro Law now and we’ll assess your case, free of charge.

What is Whiplash?

According to Mayo Clinic, whiplash is a specific type of neck sprain or strain.  It’s caused by “forceful, rapid back-and-forth [neck] movement,” thus a major cause of whiplash is rear-end car accidents.  Whiplash includes injury sustained to the bones in the spine, disks between the bones, ligaments, muscles, nerves, and other neck tissue.  Unlike other injuries, you may not feel the effects of whiplash right away.  It may take a few hours, days, or even a few weeks after a car accident.  Complications from whiplash can last weeks, months, and even years, after an accident.

Whiplash is caused
by a “forceful, rapid back-and-forth [neck] movement,” an involuntary movement often caused by rear-impact vehicle collisions.

Common signs of whiplash include neck pain and stiffness, worsening of pain with neck movement, loss of range of motion in the neck, headaches, most often starting at the base of the skull, tenderness or pain in the shoulder, upper back or arms, tingling or numbness in the arms, fatigue, and dizziness.  Some people also experience blurred vision, trouble sleeping, and depression as well.

How Serious is Whiplash? 

Whiplash injuries are categorized by grade. Grade 0 indicates no signs of injury, Grade 1 indicates neck pain, but no physical signs of it, Grade 2 indicates pain and physical sign of injury, and Grade 3 indicates neck pain and neurological impairment.

Many people feel better after a few weeks of treatment, but some people experience complications for years after the fact.  You’re more likely to experience chronic pain from whiplash if your symptoms were intense and started rapidly.

Whiplash at most any grade will make it difficult for you to work, enjoy life, and care for yourself – Even if only for a few weeks.  This aftermath often leaves people financially and psychologically strained.

What do I do if I’m experiencing Whiplash?

Seek medical care, either immediately after the accident or shortly thereafter.  Depending on the severity of the accident and injury, you may need immediate emergency care.  Regardless of severity, to receive a proper diagnosis and plan of care, schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.  Your doctor will ask questions about the severity of your pain, and will physically examine you to determine the range of motion in your neck and shoulders, the degree of motion that causes the most pain, the tenderness of your back and back, and your reflexes, among other things.  Your doctor may order an X-Ray, CT scan, and/or MRI to detect or rule out other injuries as well.

Bottaro Law isn’t a medical practice – How can Bottaro Law help me with my whiplash injury?

No matter the severity of your whiplash injury, the effects of the injury have likely impacted you in some way.  Our skilled legal team can work with insurance adjustors to get your medical bills and lost wages taken care of.  Let the doctors manage your care plan, and let us work with the insurance companies to get what you deserve while you recover.

It’s Good to Know Mike Bottaro – 24/7 Top-Rated Personal Injury Help

At the Bottaro Law Firm, we handle all types of personal injury cases every day.  We pride ourselves on our honesty, integrity, and results.  Our experienced legal team is here to fight for your rights.  Contact us 24/7 in any method you prefer for a fast, free, and confidential consultation about your case.  Text or call us at 401-251-0515 or fill out our free and confidential online form.