New York Whiplash Accident Lawyer
Rear-end collisions are among the most common type of car accidents. They happen in parking lots, driveways, garages, and at stop signs or traffic signals. People often brush off rear-end collisions that happen at low speeds as not worth bringing up to the insurance companies, especially if damage to the vehicles is minimal. However, even at low speeds, there is a very real risk that the driver or passengers in the front vehicle will suffer from a whiplash injury. Whiplash injury can be painful and debilitating, and it can lead to more serious neurological and spinal problems if left untreated.
If you are suffering from a whiplash injury after a rear-end collision or other traffic accident in the Hudson Valley, call a dedicated whiplash accident attorney at Rusk, Wadlin, Heppner & Martuscello, LLP for assistance. Our dedicated whiplash injury legal team will help you get the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages caused by your whiplash.
How Does Whiplash Injury Happen?
Whiplash is a neck injury that is caused by the neck bending forcibly forward and then backward, or vice versa. Often, the injury occurs when the torso is thrust in one direction while the head is sent in the opposite direction, after which the head “whips” backward or forward again, putting severe strain on the neck and spine. Whiplash typically involves injury to the muscles, discs, nerves, and/or tendons in the neck.
Whiplash injury is most commonly caused by collisions that include sudden acceleration or deceleration. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, whiplash is usually caused by rear-end traffic collisions or sports injuries.
Whiplash is a Danger Even at Low Speeds
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries suffered by car accident victims, especially victims of rear-end collisions. The dangers of whiplash are present even in low-speed “fender-benders” in parking lots and stop signs. Whiplash can occur at low speeds because of the physics involved: The whipping motion of the neck and torso sends the victim’s head swinging at significantly higher speeds than either vehicle involved in the crash. The head swings and bobs, like the cracking of a whip.
Even when the rear vehicle is only traveling at 15 mph or even 5 mph, the victim’s head may travel several times that speed, putting significant pressure and overextension on their neck and spine. If the head is traveling at 30mph, whiplash is extremely possible, and quite dangerous. If you’ve been in a rear-end collision at any speed, it’s worth consulting with a physician to check for any signs of whiplash.
Symptoms of Whiplash Injury
Whiplash injury can manifest in many ways. The injury involves strain to the muscles, nerves, tendons, and discs in the neck, which means that symptoms can be felt similar to an injury to various points along the spine, and there may also be neurological damage caused by spinal nerve injury. Common symptoms of whiplash include:
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Shoulder pain
- Lower back pain
- Limited range of motion in the neck or shoulder
- Dizziness and vertigo
- Numbness in the arm or hand
- Pain in the arm or hand
- Blurry vision
- Memory and concentration problems
- Mood swings such as irritability
- Trouble sleeping and over-tiredness
The symptoms of whiplash might not be readily apparent right when the injury occurs. Often, the symptoms are not detectable for hours or even days after an accident. If you’ve been involved in a car crash recently and you start to identify any of the symptoms of whiplash, see a doctor immediately for diagnosis and treatment. Failing to see a physician can lead to worsening symptoms and other serious conditions arising, and it can adversely affect your ability to get your medical bills and other damages compensated by the at-fault driver and their insurance. Talk to a seasoned whiplash accident attorney for advice and to explore your options for recovery.
Call a Seasoned New York Car Accident Lawyer for Help With Your Hudson Valley Traffic Accident Injury Claim
For a free consultation on your possible whiplash injury claim, contact the dedicated car crash attorneys at the New York personal injury law firm Rusk, Wadlin, Heppner & Martuscello, LLP, in Kingston at 845-331-4100 or in Marlboro at 845-236-4411.
