Whiplash May Often be a Joke, but it’s No Laughing Matter

By Staff Writer

Whiplash, in many ways, has been reduced to a joke or an exaggeration to try to get money from a minor car accident. That said, whiplash can be a serious condition caused by a seemingly minor accident. Therefore, even though there will continue to be those who will try to use whiplash to ‘beat the system’ every claim of whiplash should be taken seriously as it can lead to long-term pain and even Degenerative Disc Disease.

Whiplash is an injury to the soft tissue around the head and neck when they are thrown forward violently during an accident. More specifically, whiplash occurs when the head and neck are repeatedly pushed past their normal range of motion. In addition, whiplash can also affect joints, discs, muscles and nerves in the areas surrounding the head and neck.

The most common type of accident that leads to cases of whiplash is read-end collisions; however, whiplash can occur in other types of accidents.

According to the Mayo clinic, the most common complaints from those suffering from whiplash include:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Fatigue

In addition, less common symptoms of whiplash include:

• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory problems
• Ringing in the ears
• Sleep disturbances
• Irritability

Luckily, most minor whiplash injuries are quick to heal, but those suffering from long-term or Degenerative Disc Disease will take longer to rebound. The treatment for whiplash depends on both the individual and the severity of the injury. Typically, doctors prescribe pain medication (including anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants), but your doctor could also prescribe anti-depressants and/or a cervical collar (to limit neck motion) in more severe cases.

Getting compensated for your injury

You should not waste any time if you’ve been in an accident due to another driver’s negligence that caused whiplash injuries—you should contact an attorney immediately. In Tennessee, the statute of limitation for car accident injuries is one year (3 years on vehicle or property damage). This is especially true if you experience the more painful, longer lasting type of whiplash injury.

In addition, you should seek medical attention promptly and make sure that your medical records are detailed and well documented. Your doctor’s records will give your attorney proof of your costs and time lost from work.

If you’re unsure if your injuries give you grounds to file a claim, your best option is to contact an attorney well versed car accidents, like Sid Gilreath, to schedule a free consultation. Our car accident attorneys have years of experience and can help you determine if you have a case…

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