Although whiplash injuries are among the most common injuries suffered in car accidents and other types of accidents, many do not understand the intense pain and degree of debilitation associated with whiplash. A significant reason for this misconception is the tendency of television sit-coms and movies to make whiplash the object of comic fodder. Despite these depictions of whiplash as a fabrication of malingers looking to “cash in,” whiplash is a serious injury that can inflict pain for months and even years after a car accident. More than a million people experience whiplash injuries annually, and three-fourths of those who suffer such injuries continue to be affected by symptoms even six-months after their car accident.
What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash injuries are alternatively referred to as “cervical strain,” and “hyperextension/hyperflexion” injury. The term “whiplash” refers to the motion of the head and neck that are jerked forward then backward similar to the motion of a whip. Whiplash is an injury that occurs most typically in rear-end accidents when one’s vehicle is struck from behind while stopped or moving slowly. The force of impact on the vehicle results in the head being jerked backward. Because the whiplash victim generally does not see and anticipate the collision, there is little chance to brace one’s body for the impact, but the natural reaction when one’s head is whipped back is to contract the muscles in the front of the neck to compensate for the sudden backward movement of one’s neck.
Common Symptoms of Whiplash Injuries
The intense whipping motion of the head and neck in a rear-end car accident can do additional damage to the back and neck, including injury to the cervical muscles, discs of the back, ligaments, nerves and intervertebral joints. It is important that whiplash injuries be identified promptly so that treatment can be initiated as soon as possible. Early treatment can accelerate long-term recovery and result in a more favorable prognosis. Some of the more common symptoms of whiplash injuries include the following:
- Neck stiffness
- Pain in the back
- Discomfort when swallowing
- Impaired balance
- Tingling in the back, neck and shoulders
- Diminished concentration and/or memory
- Hoarseness or sore throat
If you or a loved one is injured in a Mississippi car accident or a loved one dies, you may have a right to seek legal compensation for your injuries and loss. At the Barrett Law Offices PLLC, our experienced Mississippi personal injury lawyers represent injury victims throughout Mississippi. Our law firm has roots that reach back 75 years so contact us today for your free initial consultation at (662) 834-2376 to see how we can help.