Whiplash Injuries Following Car Accidents

Many people who are involved in auto accidents may suffer whiplash injuries, even if they are wearing their seatbelt. This is also the most common type of injury resulting from an auto accident. Even if the accident occurs at a low rate of speed, whiplash may occur. The amount of physical damage to the vehicle is not necessarily related to the whiplash injury.

Whiplash is the general term most often used to describe pain in the neck occurring after some kind of injury to the soft tissue. The muscles, ligaments, and tendons are all affected when force causes the neck to move beyond its normal range of motion.

If you have suffered a whiplash injury in an auto accident, you should contact an experienced Florida auto accident attorney as soon as possible to discuss your legal rights.

Symptoms of Whiplash

• Neck pain
• Difficulty in moving your neck
• Headache
• Tenderness along the backside of your neck
• Swelling
• Muscle spasms in your neck or back

Because more serious injuries may be involved, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible if you have suffered a whiplash injury. 

Recommended Treatments for Whiplash

Some recommended treatments for whiplash injuries include:

• Heat therapy
• Pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
• Neck massage
• Applying ice to your neck several times a day for as long as half an hour
• Using a neck brace

Although whiplash injuries may heal in a few months, other symptoms that are related to the accident may continue for much longer. These symptoms can adversely affect your quality of life. 

Due to the nature of whiplash injuries, there is no reliable way to predict how long it will take to recover. If you or a loved one has suffered a whiplash injury as the result of an auto accident in the Orlando, Florida area, please contact the Law Offices of Michael Barszcz, M.D., J.D. for a free consultation.