No matter the severity of a crash, accident victims in Massachusetts and elsewhere could endure pain and suffering in ally types of car crashes. Even in less severe collisions, such as a rear-end crash, a driver or passenger could suffer injuries that leave them in pain and discomfort for an extended period of time. Because of this, it is always important to seek medical care following a car accident. This not only helps rule out serious injuries, but also helps starts the recovery process.
A rear-end collision typically causes whiplash, which occurs when an individual’s head is forcefully thrown forward and backward. Such a motion could injure the bones in the spine, the disks located between the bones, as well as the ligaments, muscles, nerves and other tissues of the neck.
When an accident victim believes that he or she suffered a neck injury, such as whiplash, it is likely that some symptoms will be present right away. The range of motion in the neck and shoulders will likely be constrained. Additionally, the degree of motion that causes pain or increases pain in the neck will likely be small. There will also be tenderness in the neck, shoulders or back.
In order to assess the severity of the injury and rule out more serious conditions or injuries, doctors will likely conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CTs and MRIs. These tests could help identify any fractures, dislocations, bone damages, soft tissue injuries or any damage to the spinal cord, disks or ligaments.
If an accident victim is diagnosed with whiplash, the best treatment plan is one that controls the pain and restores the normal range of motion of the neck. In order to accomplish this, pain meds are often prescribed and physical therapy is used. Depending on the severity of the injury, a victim might require a foam collar and much time to fully recover and return to normal daily activities.
A neck injury, such as whiplash, could be a very painful injury to recover from. Because of that, accident victims should understand that they have options following a rear-end accident. He or she could hold the driver that rear-ended them responsible for their injuries and damages. A personal injury claim could help them with medical bills, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, lost wages and other losses caused by the accident.
Source: MayoClinic.org, “Diseases and Conditions: Whiplash,” accessed Jan. 25, 2016
