Whiplash is a commonly reported injury on insurance claims. These injuries account for over half of the injuries in personal injury cases. For many, whiplash injuries are usually resolved after a few days, but for others, they can result in a serious, lifelong injury. Additionally, whiplash is a spinal cord injury that can lead to further health complications. The Chicago whiplash attorneys at Lerner and Rowe explain whiplash spinal cord injuries and how we can help you obtain compensation for your injuries.
How and Why Whiplash Spinal Cord Injuries Happen
This type of injury occurs when the neck is forced back and forward and is most commonly seen in rear-end collisions. Since the neck is one of the most vulnerable parts of the body, it frequently sustains some degree of damage in an accident due to the forceful snap forward or backward that occurs in an auto accident. This has the potential to harm the neck’s ligaments, muscles, nerves, and other tissues, in addition to the spine’s bones and intervertebral disks. While whiplash spinal cord injuries most commonly occur from car accidents, they can also happen from slip and fall accidents, motorcycle accidents, or any other type of accident where there is a sudden movement of the head.
Symptoms of Whiplash and Spinal Cord Injuries
After a car accident, it’s common to experience symptoms of whiplash spinal cord injuries in the days following the wreck. Whiplash injuries can be excruciatingly painful and result in a variety of other symptoms, including:
- Neck pain
- Pain when turning the head
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Muscle soreness
Whiplash injuries can occasionally result in long-term issues, including chronic neck pain and disabilities that call for continuous medical care. If you’ve been in an accident and are experiencing neck pain, it is best to visit a doctor as soon as possible. A doctor will be able to examine your neck to see if there are any injuries to the soft tissue, vertebrae, and other parts of the spine.
There is no set treatment for whiplash. Usually, it will heal on its own. Your doctor might give you a neck brace to wear and advise you to take pain medication or muscle relaxers.
Alternating heat and ice on the neck can also help ease pain and inflammation. In more severe cases, your doctor might recommend physical therapy. It’s crucial to contact a Chicago whiplash injury lawyer as soon as you can after seeking medical attention.
| Related topic: 5 Facts About Spinal Cord Injuries
Evidence Needed in a Whiplash Case
When pursuing a personal injury case due to a whiplash spinal cord injury, one of the most important aspects needed to pursue the case is evidence of the injury, as well as evidence to prove negligence from the other involved party. You will need proof showing the other driver was speeding, distracted, or otherwise negligently driving, such as:
- Police report
- Medical records
- Images of X-rays or other medical imaging
- Photos of the accident scene, property damage, and injuries
- The other party’s insurance information
- Witness testimony
- Traffic camera footage
Any type of evidence mentioned above will strengthen your case. Be sure to maintain a paper trail and be as detailed as possible.
Hurt in a Chicago Car Accident?
You can get the justice and compensation you need for your whiplash spinal cord injury by contacting the Chicago personal injury attorneys at Lerner and Rowe. Our team will advocate for your rights and ensure you are awarded a fair settlement. Get in touch with us 24/7 to schedule your free consultation. You can also reach us by LiveChat or by filling out our contact form.