Whiplash injury
Although a whiplash injury can result from just about any type of Rhode Island car crash, they’re most often seen in the context of rear-end collisions. The injury gets its name from sudden and violent acceleration-deceleration force and energy that causes extremely fast forward and then a snapping backward movement to the head. The back of the head hits the headrest, and then it forcefully moves forward again. This sudden and violent force can stretch, strain and tear muscles, tendons and ligaments in the cervical spine (neck). Getting compensated from the at fault negligent tortfeasor will require the experience of top RI car accident attorneys.
Whiplash distinguished from a hyperextension-hyperflexion injury
Insurance companies and their RI Insurance defense lawyers like to call these “whiplash” injuries as they imply faking or malingering. These injuries are well established in medical research and literature as hyperextension-hyperflexion injuries to the cervical spine.
Symptoms
Most cervical spine injuries resulting from Providence motor vehicle collisions or East Providence car wrecks aren’t severe. Symptoms might include:
• Headaches
• Neck and shoulder pain
• Loss of range of motion of the head and neck
• Neurological symptoms in the extremities
The onset of pain from a cervical spine injury might be immediate, or it can take a day or so before it manifests. For some people, symptoms can last many months. Severe hyperextension-hyperflexion injuries can include fractured cervical vertebrae, herniated cervical discs, spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries. Even quadriplegia is a well established result of a hyperextension-hyperflexion injury.
Light Impacts
A person doesn’t have to experience a heavy impact to sustain a cervical spine injury in a RI automobile accident. A hyperextension-hyperflexion injury can be caused by a low speed relatively light impact RI car crash. Magnitude of impact alone isn’t the determinative factor in the equation. Other issues figure into the injury like:
• Which way the injured person’s head was positioned at time of impact
• Where they were seated
• Location of impact
• The height and sex of the injured person
• Height of head restraints
• Size and weight of the vehicle that impacted the injured person
These injuries can have long-term effects if left untreated. It’s most prudent to document an accident by a police accident report and at least an emergency room visit. Should pain and discomfort develop a day or two later, your condition is already memorialized as insurance defense lawyers will criticize a day or two gap in treatment between date of accident and the first date of treatment. Go to the emergency room after any RI auto accident in which you are injured. That’s what you have insurance for. Then arrange a free consultation with us.
If you were injured in a car accident in Warwick, Cranston or Woonsocket then contact a RI car accident lawyer or Rhode Island personal injury attorneys. A Providence car accident attorney will help you get the compensation you deserve as a result of the auto collision. It is important to carefully research the best RI car accident attorneys before retaining an auto accident lawyer in the Ocean State. If you are seeking a firefighting foam lawsuit law firm, contact us
Whiplash injuries are a common type of soft tissue injury that often occur as a result of car accidents, especially rear-end collisions. These injuries primarily affect the neck and can involve damage to muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other soft tissues. Here’s some key information about whiplash injuries:
- Mechanism of Injury: Whiplash typically occurs when a sudden and forceful back-and-forth motion of the head and neck happens. This rapid motion is similar to the cracking of a whip, hence the name “whiplash.”
- Common Symptoms: Whiplash injuries can result in a range of symptoms, which may include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, shoulder pain, arm pain, dizziness, fatigue, and sometimes cognitive and memory problems. The severity of symptoms can vary from person to person.
- Diagnosis: Diagnosis of whiplash injuries is typically based on a physical examination by a healthcare provider. In some cases, imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans may be used to rule out other potential injuries.
- Treatment: The treatment for whiplash injuries often involves a combination of rest, pain management (with over-the-counter or prescription medications), physical therapy, and exercises to improve neck mobility and strength. In some cases, a cervical collar may be prescribed to immobilize the neck temporarily. Ice and heat therapy can also be helpful.
- Recovery Time: The recovery time for whiplash injuries varies widely, with some individuals recovering in a matter of weeks and others taking several months. In rare cases, chronic pain may develop and require ongoing treatment.
- Prevention: To help prevent whiplash injuries in car accidents, it’s essential to wear seat belts properly and ensure that your headrest is positioned correctly. Properly adjusted headrests can help limit the backward motion of the head during a collision.
- Legal and Insurance Aspects: If you’ve sustained a whiplash injury in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury claim. It’s crucial to document the accident, your injuries, and seek legal advice to protect your rights and interests.
It’s important to seek medical attention if you suspect a whiplash injury, as prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help improve the chances of a full recovery. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment options specific to your condition.
Legal Notice per Rules of Professional Responsibility: The Rhode Island Supreme Court licenses all lawyers and attorneys in the general practice of law, but does not license or certify any lawyer / attorney as an expert or specialist in any field of practice. While this firm maintains joint responsibility, most cases of this type are referred to other attorneys for principle responsibility.