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While whiplash is one of the most common types of injuries in an accident, many people don't realize the extent of the damage until they are well into the healing process. If you’ve experienced whiplash, it’s important for you to recognize the signs, understand the risks, and seek the appropriate medical attention especially if you’ve been involved in an accident.  

In this post, we outline the basics of whiplash injuries and their impact on your health, mobility, and, personal injury claim.  

Understanding Whiplash 

Whiplash is an injury that occurs when a sudden impact causes a quick back-and-forth movement of the neck. The motion is similar to the cracking of a whip, hence the name. This jolting has the potential to injure the muscles, ligaments, and tendons of the neck, causing them to stretch or rupture. Whiplash injuries can range from mild to severe, but it’s always advisable to seek medical attention for any injuries following an accident – even if you feel okay.  

Common Causes 

There are several typical scenarios that can cause a whiplash injury. The most common causes include: 

• Car Accidents: Whiplash is a common injury in road accidents, but most especially in car accidents. In particular, rear-end collisions where one car is hit from the back, causing a jolting motion.  
• Sports Injuries: Whiplash injuries are common in contact sports or activities that involve high-impact falls. 
• Physical Assault: Being punched or shaken, which may occur in a physical assault, can impact the neck and result in whiplash. 
• Falls: A sudden trip or slip can cause the head to jerk, leading to whiplash. 

Symptoms to Watch Out For 

The symptoms of whiplash might not be immediately evident after an incident, sometimes taking days to manifest, this is why it’s important to seek medical attention right away. Symptoms of whiplash include: 

• Neck pain and stiffness that worsens with movement 
• Loss of range of motion making moving the neck in its full range difficult 
• Headaches typically originating at the base of the skull 
• Fatigue and dizziness 

Additionally, you may experience other symptoms such as blurred vision, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), sleep disturbances, and even memory problems. 

Seeking Compensation After Whiplash 

Suffering a whiplash injury can cause pain and discomfort alongside stress from expensive medical bills or the inability to work while you heal. If you've suffered a whiplash injury due to someone else's negligence, such as in a car accident or slip and fall incident, you can seek compensation by pursuing a personal injury claim. To support your claim, make sure to gather important evidence such as:  

• Your Medical Records: Medical records such as your visit to the doctor, test results, treatment plans, and follow-ups will all strengthen your claim. This is why visiting the doctor as soon as you can after an injury is so crucial.  
• Photographs, Documents, and Injury Journals: Keep a detailed record of your experience after the accident and during your recovery. From photographs of your wounds and the accident scene to police reports and even your own injury journal recording your pain levels and discomfort, all documentation will help support your claim.  

Choose a Personal Injury Attorney You Can Trust 

While whiplash may seem like a simple injury, the consequences can be long-lasting, impacting victims both physically and mentally. Understanding the scope of this injury and arming yourself with the necessary legal knowledge is critical to ensuring justice is served. 

Partnering with a seasoned personal injury firm ensures that you're aptly represented and advised. Harris Personal Injury Lawyers can guide you through gathering evidence, understanding the value of your claim, and ensuring you get the compensation you rightfully deserve. If you have questions about your legal options, our California personal injury attorneys are here to help you find solutions. Call us at 1-800-GO-HARRIS or send us an email using our contact form to set up a free case evaluation.