Whiplash Injuries in New Hampshire

One common result of automobile accidents is a condition known as whiplash. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders And Stroke (NINDS) whiplash is an injury to the soft tissue in the neck that a victim usually experiences after sudden extension and the flexion of the neck muscles such as what happens when involved in a vehicles collision. Whiplash can affect the intervertebral joints, discs, and ligaments, cervical muscles, and nerve roots in the neck.  A whiplash injury can lead to pain and suffering as well as steep medical bills.

When an individual is hurt in a car, truck, bus or any other type of auto accident caused by another party, they can seek compensation for their injuries. If you have been involved in an auto accident in New Hampshire and are experiencing symptoms of whiplash, contact Russman Law right away to find out more about your rights. Dealing with the aftermath of an auto accident can be overwhelming, but don't let this stop you from getting the compensation that you need.

Car Accidents and Whiplash

A 2007 study that appeared in Musculoskeletal Medicine focused on current literature relating to whiplash found that whiplash is the most common injury that is associated with automotive crashes and can affect 83% of victims. Annually, the study also found that the cost of a whiplash injury, including medical care, disability and sick leave, totals about $3.9 billion in the United States alone. In New Hampshire, anyone who experiences whiplash or any other type of injury caused by another driver's negligence is entitled to compensation.

After a car accident, many victims rely on the auto insurance company to give them the money they need to care for their injuries. Unfortunately, insurers do not always make fair offers. That is why it is vital to speak to an experienced auto injury attorney immediately after the accident. Between medical bills, lost wages from inability to work and other expenses, the cost of a whiplash injury can add up. Only an injury lawyer will be able to make sure that victims are properly diagnosed and treated before agreeing to any sort of settlement with the insurance company.

Symptoms of Whiplash

People who suffer from whiplash often experience pain and other symptoms such as stiffness of the neck, muscle and ligament injuries, headache, dizziness, abnormal sensations or pain in the back or shoulders. The NINDS also states that some victims can suffer “cognitive, somatic, or psychological conditions such as memory loss, concentration impairment, nervousness/irritability, sleep disturbances, fatigue, or depression”.

Accident victims who suffer whiplash can often face obstacles seeking compensation because it can sometimes take several days for symptoms to arise. This means a victim involved in an accident could initially report no injuries and then later begin to experience pain, numbness and other side effects as a result of whiplash. An injury attorney can assist victims in getting the diagnosis and treatment that they need and will use their medical records to show that their injuries were directly related to the accident.

There is no cure for whiplash. It can be treated, however, with drugs such as pain medications, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, antidepressants and muscle relaxants or through physical therapy including range of motion exercises and cervical traction. Though research is continuingly being done, the NINDS states that some patients can recover from the symptoms of whiplash within three months following a treatment plan. Others may experience residual neck pain and headaches for an unknown period of time. Additionally, the 2007 review of literature found that 25% to 40% of patient still reported experiencing whiplash symptoms one year after the accident in some studies and other studies stated that almost 40% of patients still reported symptoms seven years after the accident.

Get The Legal Representation You Need

If you or a loved one has been involved in an auto accident in Exeter, Manchester, or anywhere in New Hampshire, contact a person injury attorney at Russman Law right away. Even a minor collision at low speeds can lead to a whiplash injury and, while proper treatment and care can help, some whiplash patients experience side effects from their condition for years. In some cases, when a whiplash injury is suffered, the soft tissue in the neck and shoulders can become damaged resulting in permanent injury. It is important to make sure that you get the compensation you need to properly care for your whiplash injuries. Call our office now for a free consultation to get started.