Whiplash is a common Injury suffered by car Accident victims, whether they were the driver in their vehicle or a passenger. Whiplash occurs when the person’s neck is jolted back and forth in sudden motions typically related to a car accident. According to statistics, there are on average 120,000 cases of whiplash per year.

Anytime you are in an auto accident, you should accept medical treatment if the accident caused you to be jerked about in the vehicle upon impact and in moments following. This is because soft tissue injuries like neck sprains and whiplash can take time to develop symptoms. Often, as feelings of soreness and stiffness appear, these are signs that you may have experienced more serious internal injury than you thought.

Accidents Leading to Whiplash

Auto accidents happen frequently on Phoenix streets and roads throughout Arizona. Injuries sustained in these common occurrences are equally as common. When you are involved in an accident, you should always seek care from a doctor or other licensed healthcare provider as soon as you can after leaving the scene. This will enable professionals to diagnose any injuries and determine whether you have internal injuries you cannot yet see or feel. It can take 72 hours or more for whiplash to appear in some instances, so even absence of pain after a wreck does not mean you are injury-free.

Also soon after your accident, you should contact a personal injury lawyer immediately to ensure your medical costs and other damages are covered through an auto accident personal injury claim. It is important to act swiftly and immediately under the guidance of an experienced attorney.

Slow Speed Injuries Can Be Severe

Medical reports indicate that whiplash injuries most frequently occur in slow-speed accidents. Injuries can be present after an accident between vehicles traveling only six miles per hour or more.

It is very important to realize that you may feel fine after your accident and you may even resume your typical schedule and activities. But painful whiplash, back strain and other soft tissue damage may not show up for several days. Some people have whiplash by the next morning, whereas others need a few days to feel the auto accident’s effects. Without having received medical care, it is difficult for a personal injury lawyer to substantiate the injuries and directly link them to the auto accident for which a claim is made.

Treatment of Whiplash after an Auto Accident

Whiplash and associated soft tissue damage are also described as acceleration-deceleration transfer of energy to the neck. Impact between two vehicles causing this injury frequently results in functional impairment of the neck or back. When the accident occurs, the neck hyper-extends and exceeds its normal range of motion, leading to the following injuries:

• Joint injury
• Disc injury
• Muscle strain injury
• Vertebral fracture
• Ligament injury
• Neurovascular injury
• Pain

Treatment of whiplash can be effective in reducing pain. Depending upon your specific injury, some treatments may work or can be combined with other forms of treatment.

Treatments for whiplash include:

• Acupuncture
• Chiropractic Manipulation
• Cervical Steroid Injections
• Active Release Technique (ART)
• Exercise
• Facet Injection
• Nutrition Counseling
• Medication Management
• Spinal Decompression

Helping Your Pain

When you have whiplash, recovery can be aided through some self-care. It is important to clear all methods of self-care with your doctor before using them. Methods of caring for your whiplash may include:

• Reduction of inflammation by icing your neck to reduce pain and swelling, such as through application of a cold compress for up to 30 minutes each three to four hours for several days after the accident.
• Over-the-counter medications, ibuprofen, NSAIDs or naproxen to help with swelling and pain.
• Doctor-recommended home exercises and stretching
• Workplace ergonomics adjustment and frequent breaks to walk around between long periods of sitting

Getting Help for Your Car Accident Whiplash Injury Claim

When you have been in a car accident, it is important to consult with an experienced car accident lawyer who can help you recover compensation for your medical expenses and other damages. Whiplash is just one injury. But you may have suffered long-term damage for which your whiplash is a symptom, or other injuries not immediately visible after the accident. A personal injury lawyer can help you understand the next steps in your case, to ensure you have the best quality of life after your auto accident.

Call the experienced personal injury law firm of Cantor Crane now for a free, no-obligation consultation at 602.254.2701.

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