Whiplash as the Outcome of a Serious Accident (Part A)

One of the more common types of injuries to occur during a Florida motor vehicle accident is a neck injury, such as whiplash. This is often the result of being jolted during the car accident. This “jerking” motion may cause the neck to hyperextend and can damage the soft tissues in that area.   

Whiplash in a Florida Accident 

An individual may suffer a whiplash injury when involved in almost any type of serious Florida accident. Though most commonly associated with a rear-end collision, car crashes are not the only types of accidents that can cause whiplash. 

Serious accidents that could result in whiplash include: 

• pedestrian accidents;
• bicycle accidents;
• motorcycle accidents; or
• slip and fall accidents 

Whiplash is also known as neck strain or neck sprain. Whiplash occurs when the soft tissue of the neck is injured. It typically happens when an individual experiences sudden backward and forward movement of their neck.  

As stated, whiplash can occur in any type of accident, but the most common type of accident that leads to this type of injury is in a rear-end collision. 

Other Injuries Associated with Whiplash 

Whiplash isn’t necessarily an isolated injury. In fact, many other injuries may be associated with—or indicated by—a whiplash injury. 

Injuries from whiplash can also include damage to: 

• nerve roots;
• ligaments;
• discs;
• cervical muscles; and
• intervertebral joints  

Symptoms of Whiplash 

The most common symptom of whiplash is neck pain. This symptom typically occurs right after receiving the injury. However, sometimes the neck pain may not present itself until several days later. In addition, if there were other injuries sustained in a serious Florida accident, the symptoms of whiplash may not be as pronounced in comparison. 

Listed below are other symptoms of whiplash that an individual may experience:   

• stiffness/tightness in the neck;
• headache/dizziness (which may also be signs of a concussion);
• myofascial injuries (injuries to the ligaments and muscles);
• hoarse voice and/or difficulty with chewing/swallowing (indications that the larynx and esophagus may have been injured);
• pain in the shoulders;
• prickling or burning sensation (known as parasthesias); and/or
• back pain. 

Continue to Next Page >>