Whiplash Caused by a Car Accident in Tennessee

Whiplash is one of the most common types of injuries that result from car crashes. This injury is generally sustained in a rear-end collision, when one car collides into another. Usually whiplash is considered a minor injury, but for some people, the symptoms last for many years.

A whiplash injury can be defined as an overextension of the neck. It is believed to occur when the victim’s body is pushed forward, but the head momentarily remains behind. The head then rocks up and back, which can stretch or tear some muscles and ligaments. As a reflex, these muscles contract to bring the head forward again to prevent excessive injury. However, overcompensation often occurs when the head is traveling in a forward direction as the vehicle decelerates, which may result in more stretching and tearing of the muscles and ligaments.

Fortunately, whiplash is not a life threatening injury, even though it can disrupt the victim’s life temporarily. It has been estimated that whiplash-related expenses can reach $30 billion a year in the United States when medical care, disability, sick leave, lost productivity and litigation are taken into account.

If you have been involved in a rear-end collision, it is important to recognize the symptoms of whiplash so that you can be given the proper treatment. Some of the most common signs of whiplash include the following:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Arm pain or weakness
• Vision problems
• Shoulder pain and stiffness
• Ringing in the ears
• Back pain

A recent Swedish study even suggests that whiplash can cause delayed jaw pain. According to researchers, one in three people who sustain a whiplash injury are at risk of developing delayed jaw pain or dysfunction that will require treatment. The study found that patients who suffered whiplash were five times more likely to have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain and/or dysfunction immediately following an accident than uninjured people in the control group. A year later, the study found that 34 percent of the whiplash victims had developed symptoms of TMJ, as compared to the 7 percent from the control group.

During your recovery from whiplash, you may be forced to take time off of work and inquire substantial medical expenses. If the car accident was caused by another driver, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries. To find out if you are entitled to compensation, contact the Tennessee car accident attorneys at Phillip Miller & Associates at (800) 337-HURT (4878) or (615) 356-2000. Our knowledgeable auto accident lawyers will be able to review your case to determine how much it is worth.

Phillip Miller & Associates
631 Woodland Street
Nashville, TN 37206
Phone: (615) 356-2000
Fax: (615) 242-1739
Toll Free: (800) 337-HURT
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