Neck Injury as a Result of an Accident

Orlando, Florida

In a rear end collision a victims head can be violently jerked back and forth beyond its normal limits. The ligaments and muscles supporting the neck and spine can tear or severely stretch resulting in a whiplash. When the accident happens the body is pushed forward but the head remains in the same position momentarily, then jerks forward and hyperextends injuring the soft tissues and nerves surrounding the neck.

The injury can be temporary or permanent lasting a few days or a lifetime. Many victims may not even feel symptoms for years. Thats why its imperative to seek medical attention and legal advice immediately should serious complications show up later.

Whiplash Severity

The severity of a whiplash depends on whether or not you were properly restrained, how you were seated in the car and the force of the impact. If youre rear-ended by a vehicle at 5 miles per hour or less, your chances of injury is minimal. However, most rear end accidents happen at speeds of six to 12 miles per hour.

Whiplash Symptoms

Early symptoms may take two hours to two days to show up. Almost half of whiplash victims report continued suffering for up to two years after the accident. Seventy percent of whiplash victims suffer headaches on the side of their head, are in constant pain all over, or experience intermittent throbbing pain. Neck and shoulder pain are also common symptoms. Muscle tears can cause tingling, burning or prickling pain from muscle tears. Severe disc damage results in sharp pain in other areas of the body including the arms, hands and fingers. Here are some more symptoms of whiplash:

• Lower back pain and stiffness
• Facial pain
• Jaw pain
• Numbness
• Nausea
• Blurred vision
• Difficulty swallowing
• Ringing ears
• Vertigo
• Irritability
• Dizziness
• Fatigue

Some relief is found through medication and therapy. Severe damage could devastate the victims work, lifestyle and ability to support themselves and their loved ones.

If youre in Orlando, Florida, and have suffered a serious neck injury from a vehicle accident, please contact the personal injury specialists at Colling, Gilbert, Wright & Carter. Well give you the personal attention you need and fight for the compensation you and your loved ones deserve for medical expenses, loss of income and pain and suffering.