Why Whiplash Injuries Should Be Taken Seriously
Whiplash is a common injury for people who go through car accidents and other forms of physical trauma. But what is whiplash exactly? Most simply, it’s a type of strain or injury of the soft tissue in your neck. It can be called a neck strain or a neck sprain. People tend to not take the issue of whiplash seriously because it is often called a sprain. After all, when was the last time you heard someone was seeking compensation for a sprained ankle? The neck, however, is a very important part of the body, and any injury sustained in the region, such as with whiplash, can lead to a lot of pain and complications in the future.
Whiplash Can Occur Anywhere
It should also be noted that you don’t have to be in a car accident to suffer from whiplash. The injury can be caused by any form of extreme trauma that causes the muscle and tissue in your neck to flex in an abnormal way. While most people associate whiplash with car accidents in which the victim is rear-ended, it can result from any instance of high-impact. Most commonly, athletes suffer whiplash as well from sports like football.
It Can Happen Fairly Easily
For instances of whiplash that are triggered by automobile accidents, the injury can happen fairly easily. Neither one of the vehicles has to be going at a high velocity for your body to feel the effects of the impact. The car can be traveling as slow as 10 mph and still cause whiplash.
The Older You Are, the Worse the Effects
Whiplash is also underestimated in its severity because it affects people differently. A younger person with more range of motion and stronger muscles may not sustain long-term injuries from an accident, but older persons and especially the elderly are at high risk of whiplash. It can cause a lifetime of pain and lead to even more complications in the future.
Symptoms Come Later
At the scene of the accident, you may notice some neck pain and dismiss it, thinking it to be normal. The problem with whiplash is that so many people ignore the warning signs because the pain is not so bad. Pain from the injury can take a few days to develop. In some cases, it may take weeks and sometimes even months before you notice there is a significant problem.
Seeking Legal Counsel
Whiplash is a prevalent injury among people who fall victim to automobile accidents. It’s just one of many examples, however, of injuries that people leave untreated thinking that they are not worth pursuing compensation for. Any time that your health is compromised due to the negligence of another, you should take full advantage of your legal rights. If you, or a loved one, were involved in an accident that caused whiplash or any other sort of trauma-induced injury, you should call the Los Angeles Injury Group today for a free consultation at 310-954-7248.