Personal Injury Lawsuit

Whiplash is a catch-all, commonly used word which encompasses a range of neck injuries, including cervical sprain and hyperextension injuries. Coined in the late 1920s from the snapping head motion frequently associated with neck injuries, the term “whiplash” is both visually descriptive and slightly misleading. To begin with, though the most commonly cited cause of whiplash is motor vehicle collision, similar damage to the soft tissues, muscles, and ligaments of the neck can also occur through other means. Not all are violent; though falls and sports accidents account for many whiplash injuries, the damage caused by repeated strain or stress is analogous to that caused by more well-known factors.

Whiplash in Bus and Car Accidents

Literally millions of motor vehicle accidents occur every year in the United States. Some involve only passenger cars, while others may involve public transportation vehicles such as buses. With the sheer amount of people on the road today, the odds of suffering whiplash in an accident are greater than ever.

A common misconception is that whiplash can only be caused in a high speed collision. Drivers believe that by maintaining cautious speeds, they can avoid the risk of neck injury. Nothing could be further from the truth. Studies show that even collisions which take place at a paltry 15 miles per hour (mph) can cause whiplash injuries - even if the victims are wearing their seatbelts.

Diagnosing and Treating Whiplash

If you have been in a car or bus accident recently, you should be on the lookout for symptoms of whiplash, such as a stiff neck, persistent headache, tenderness of neck muscles, inability to move the head, difficulty swallowing, burning sensations, or shooting/persistent pain in the neck, back, or shoulders. If you find yourself suffering from these symptoms, it’s a good idea to seek treatment immediately.

The good news is that, in most cases, whiplash injuries are treatable and reversible. The most common treatment is a supportive cervical collar which is worn for several weeks. Physical therapy, heat therapy, and/or muscle relaxants may also be used to restore range and ease of motion.

In severe cases, whiplash may involve damage to the brain, spinal cord, or intervertebral discs, and may require surgery or other medical procedures to repair. Catching the symptoms early can mean the difference between a full recovery and permanent injury.

For more information on bus accident-related injuries like whiplash, visit the website of the Williams Kherkher bus accident lawyers at http://www.bus-accident-lawyer.com.