Whiplash Attorney

Whiplash injuries occur when motorcyclists experience a sudden impact that causes the head to jolt backward, forward, or sideways. As a result, the motorcyclist experiences injury such as overstretching of the ligaments, muscles, or tendons in the neck. When victims experience severe whiplash injuries, they are encouraged to seek the professional assistance of a whiplash attorney. A whiplash attorney can help these motorcycle crash victims to receive financial compensation for their injuries.

What Is Whiplash?

Whiplash refers to the type of neck injury that occurs when the head experiences a sudden “whipping” motion. In a motorcycle crash, whiplash often occurs as the result of a rear-end collision where the motorcyclist is hit from behind. In these cases, victims may be able to receive financial compensation through legal action when another individual’s fault caused the motorcycle accident. When this occurs, victims should contact a whiplash attorney to discuss legal options.

Whiplash Effects

Whiplash can have a number of effects on victims. The nature and severity of the neck injury from whiplash will depend on the incident. In severe whiplash cases, victims may experience long-term side effects which may be debilitating and affect their overall quality of life. Victims may experience complications such as mobility issues, chronic pain, and cognitive dysfunction. While injuries may be lifelong, a whiplash attorney can help alleviate the financial burdens of their injuries.

Joint Dysfunction

Whiplash may result in joint dysfunction. This affects one of the joints located within the spine or one of the victim’s limbs. When joint dysfunction occurs, the joint loses its healthy level of resiliency. It also experiences a reduced ability to absorb shock, which referred to as joint play. In some cases, victims of joint dysfunction experience long-term side effects that result in pain and restricted range of movement in the affected area.

Disc Herniation

Disc herniation involves the cartilage discs that are positioned between the vertebrae, or spinal bones. A whiplash accident may case small tears in the disc, which in turn causes the disc’s inner core to extrude through the disc’s outer core. This leaves the inner core of disc vulnerable to come in contact with the root of the spine. When the disc irritates the spinal root, patients often feel sharp, shooting pain. Tingling, muscle weakness, and numbness may also occur.

Hiring a Whiplash Attorney

Whiplash victims should hire a whiplash attorney as soon as possible. An experienced, knowledgeable whiplash attorney understands the complexities of the legal process. Extensive expertise will be used to earn the financial compensation that victims deserve. Compensation may cover the costs of medical bills, lost wages from missed work, and other costs. Compensation may also be awarded for the psychological impact of the whiplash injury.

Sources:

“Whiplash.” ACA. American Chiropractic Association, n.d. Web. 28 June 2014. <http://www.acatoday.org/content_css.cfm?CID=3131>.

“Whiplash.” National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 16 Apr. 2014. Web. 28 June 2014. <http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/whiplash/whiplash.htm>.

“Whiplash – Symptoms.” NHS Choices. NHS, 23 Aug. 2012. Web. 28 June 2014. <http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Whiplash/Pages/Symptoms.aspx>.