Chicago, Illinois Auto Accident Attorneys
Representing Clients Suffering from Whiplash Following an Auto Accident
Whiplash is one of the most common auto accident injuries, but it is also one of the most overlooked auto accident injuries. Whiplash is caused by violent movement of the head back and forth, which causes damage to the neck, as well as intervertebral joints, discs and ligaments. Whiplash injuries can be exacerbated if the neck is turned to the side at the time at the same time that it is thrust back and forth.
Whiplash as Common Rear-End Collision Injury
Whiplash frequently occurs in rear-end collisions, with the driver and passengers in the car that was struck from behind suffering the whiplash injuries. The car’s speed at the time of impact does not necessarily determine the severity of a whiplash injury, and a person can suffer a whiplash injury in low-speed accidents such as parking lot accidents.
Symptoms of Whiplash
Whiplash injuries do not always have immediate and noticeable symptoms. In fact, some auto accident victims who suffer from whiplash experience little or no pain at all. Oftentimes, whiplash symptoms will develop in the days, weeks or months following the car accident, and it is not uncommon for whiplash symptoms to subside only to return at a later date.
Because whiplash can be difficult to detect and is often a “silent” auto accident injury, it is important to seek medical attention following an auto accident – particularly a rear-end collision – even if you feel little or no pain. A medical examination, including a physical examination, orthopedic and chiropractic tests, x-rays, range of motion and muscle strength tests, and diagnostic ultrasound tests can help determine the full extent of any auto accident injuries, including whiplash.
If a patient is found to suffer from whiplash injuries, he or she is typically treated with various chiropractic therapy techniques to rehabilitate the injured tissues with the goal of eliminating or minimizing pain and restoring desired function.
Long-lasting Effects of Whiplash
Whiplash can include a number of long-lasting symptoms, including neck pain and stiffness, headaches, shoulder pain and stiffness, jaw pain, fatigue, dizziness, arm pain and weakness, vision problems, ringing in the ears, and back pain. In some severe cases, whiplash can also lead to a number of other symptoms and medical problems, such as depression, anger, stress, drug dependency, post-traumatic stress disorder, and insomnia.
Recovering from Whiplash Injuries
If you have suffered whiplash from an auto accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation for medical bills and lost wages in a personal injury lawsuit. The Chicago auto accident injury attorneys at Ankin Law focus on representing the victims of auto accidents, including those individuals who have suffered whiplash, knee injury, head injury, back injury, or a spinal cord injury as a result of the auto accident.
If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, contact our office at (800) 442-6546 to learn more about how we can help your recover for your whiplash or other auto accident injuries.