What is Whiplash and What are the Symptoms?

Every year, millions of Americans are injured in motor vehicle accidents. One of the most common types of injuries victims of car accidents suffer is whiplash. However, not everyone understands the injury or the effects or knows when to seek medical treatment.

What is Whiplash?

Also referred to as a neck strain or sprain, whiplash occurs when your head and neck suddenly move forward and then backward. Whiplash can occur as a result of a collision in any direction, but it commonly occurs when a stopped vehicle is rear-ended by another vehicle or a vehicle is traveling and stops abruptly. The sudden force applied to the neck causes the joints, muscles, and ligaments of the neck and upper back to overstretch.

You do not have to be traveling at high speeds to suffer whiplash. Collisions at speeds as low as 5 or 10 mph can cause whiplash. The sudden and abrupt impact of the collision is what causes neck injury.

Symptoms of Whiplash

Whiplash is characterized by several symptoms. Symptoms generally appear within 24 hours of an accident but may take longer and can last for weeks, months – even years. Learn about common whiplash symptoms in this infographic presented by the Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton.

If you are involved in a car accident, it is in your best interest to see a medical professional determine if you are experiencing whiplash. Regardless if your injury is severe or mild, it can lead to costly medical bills, time away from work, and pain and suffering.

If you experience whiplash from an accident caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the Baltimore car accident lawyers atLeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton to discuss your legal options. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, call us at 800-547-4LAW or fill out a contact form online today.