About 30 percent of all car accidents in the United States each year are rear-end collisions, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Although many of these accidents seem minor, rear-end crashes are well-known for being one of the top causes of whiplash, a condition that can cause serious and lingering medical complications.Whiplash can be difficult to diagnose and treat. Often, the symptoms may not appear for a day or two after the accident. Since there is no single medical test for whiplash, a diagnosis must often be reached by ruling out other possible causes of a patient’s pain, stiffness, dizziness, swelling, or other conditions. X-rays and medical imaging like a CT or MRI scan can help. Finally, patients who have been told that whiplash is a “minor” or “made-up” condition might delay getting treatment.
Whiplash, also known as neck sprain, is a real medical condition and a well-known result of rear-end and some front-end vehicle collisions. Whiplash occurs in about 20 percent of rear-end crashes, according to the NHTSA. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is essential in order to speed healing. In 10 to 40 percent of patients, symptoms like pain, dizziness, and limb tingling or numbness may last for months or even years. Delayed treatment or diagnosis is often a contributing factor when a case of whiplash simply won’t heal.
Attorney Ray Maples and his associates are dedicated to helping clients who have suffered serious injuries due to another driver’s negligence. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation.
