Whiplash is one of the most common forms of injury that can result from a car accident in New York. Someone may suffer a whiplash injury whenever they’re subjected to some kind of violent jolt, and it’s important to bear in mind that such injuries can potentially happen even at relatively low speeds.
The joints of the spine are covered by ligaments that may be very sensitive to whiplash injuries. In addition, whiplash often results in tears to ligaments that support the vertebrae, which can cause pain and stiffness. In some of the most severe cases, whiplash can even result in fractures or dislocations of the vertebrae themselves. People experience a wide degree of symptoms from whiplash, ranging from soreness in the neck and headaches to vomiting and vertigo. One of the most important considerations with respect to whiplash is that such symptoms can take as much as 48 hours to manifest after the accident that caused them.
Treatment of whiplash is naturally contingent on the severity of the injury. While range-of-motion exercises and massage may be effective in some circumstances, others might need more consistent efforts on the part of a physical therapist. A physician may sometimes prescribe an exercise program and seek to provide short-term relief through ultrasound, electrical stimulation and other such methods.
A negligent driver who causes injury to another during the course of a car accident may be obligated to provide compensation for a victim’s injuries and financial damages. In the case of whiplash injuries, the amount of damages to which a victim may be entitled can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the nature and amount of future treatment that may be required.
Source: American Chiropractic Association , “Whiplash”, accessed on Jan. 17, 2015
