Each year, over 3 million people suffer "whiplash" injuries to their neck and back as a result of auto collisions. About 50% of these injury victims will fully recover, while some 40% will suffer chronic pain, and about 10% will be disabled.
One reason whiplash injuries are so prevalent is due to the rigid vehicle bumper systems on vehicles which are intended to reduce property damage in the event of a collision. However, in a collision, this causes energy to be transferred from the vehicle to its occupants, often resulting in a forceful back-and-forth movement to a person’s neck or back. A whiplash injury results when your neck or back cracks like whip, causing sudden and violent flexion and extension of the spine, as well as the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support the spine. Most often they are caused by rear-end auto collisions.
Whiplash injuries should be taken very seriously. Usually, you will not know the extent of your injuries until weeks or months after a crash. Sprain and strain injuries, which are often known as "soft tissue" or "connective tissue" injuries usually heal within a few months. Pain that lasts longer is frequently a result of more serious problems such as a bulging or herniated disc, nerve damage, or other spinal injury.
We have nearly 20 years' experience representing people who have suffered neck and back injuries in auto collisions. Call us at 253.858.5434 to set up a free initial consultation to talk about your case.