Whiplash and Car Accidents

What is whiplash?

Whiplash, sometimes referred to as cervical acceleration/deceleration (CAD) injury, is a soft tissue neck and spinal injury that can be caused by any sudden change in momentum that forces the neck to move back and forth suddenly.

How common is whiplash in car accidents?

Whiplash is quite common in rear-end car collisions. Car accidents are one of the leading causes of whiplash.

What causes whiplash pain?

Suprisingly, experts disagree about the exact mechanism that causes whiplash injuries. Most experts, however, seem to agree that whiplash involves the neck being hyperextended beyond its normal range of motion. However, whether the damage caused by the hyperextension is primarily muscular, spinal or ligamental, is a subject of continuing dispute.

What are the symptoms of whiplash?

The most common symptom of whiplash is neck pain. Sometimes, after a car accident, the onset of neck pain may be delayed. Other common symptoms of whiplash include neck stiffness, shoulder or back pain, muscle or ligament injuries (myofascial injuries), headache, dizziness, and a burning sensation (paresthesias).

What should I do if I have suffered whiplash in a car accident?

Your first order of business should be to seek medical attention, by seeing your primary care physician or another doctor. If you are in Massachusetts and wish to consult with a Boston car accident attorney about the potential liability of the other driver involved in the car accident, you can call The Law Office of Alan H. Crede at (617)648-8263 for a free consultation.