Whiplash: A Serious Car Accident Injury

Despite the fact that whiplash is a relatively common injury in a motor vehicle accident, it doesn’t make it any easier for the victim to recover.

This injury occurs when a sudden force causes rapid forward and backward movement of the neck and head. This happens most often when a person is riding in a vehicle that is struck from behind by another.

Symptoms of whiplash typically develop within 24 hours, and can include the following:

• Neck stiffness
• Neck pain
• Worsening of pain with movement
• Decreased range of motion
• Numbness or tingling of the arms
• Pain in the upper back, shoulders, or arms
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Fatigue

If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident and experience any of these symptoms, it is important to receive medical attention. This can be the difference between treating the problem before it worsens and letting it linger to the point of causing additional injury.

Can you Prevent Whiplash?

You never know when somebody will strike your vehicle from behind. In some cases, you may not even see this coming.

There is no guaranteed way to prevent whiplash in a rear end collision, but there are some things you should try:

• Position your seat appropriately. Your seat should not be inclined any greater than 20 percent.
• Make sure your head restraint is high enough. The top of your restraint should be at the bottom of your ears or higher.
• Keep your head restraint close to the back of your head. It is suggested that your head and restraint are no more than two inches apart.

If you do these three things, you can improve your chance of avoiding whiplash injuries in the event of a rear end collision.

If you are injured in such an accident, seek immediate medical attention. Furthermore, don’t hesitate to contact us for advice and guidance on your legal rights. You may be able to receive compensation from the negligent party for your injuries and other damage.

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Stephanie Thompson, Estate Planning Attorney of Krueger Hernandez & Thompson SC

As the owner of Krueger Hernandez & Thompson SC, it is Stephanie’s mission to address each client’s goals for their estate plan. By identifying their wishes and concerns she can educate, guide, and counsel on the different tools and options that will effectively and efficiently accomplish those goals.

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