Cervical_Collar_EmergencyA large number of car accidents take place every day in Rhode Island. Unfortunately, this results in a lot of people sustaining injuries during the course of the car accident.

Although many of the injuries sustained during the course of a car accident are minor cuts and bruises that won’t take long to heal, oftentimes the injuries can be much more severe. In these types of situations it is possible to receive compensation for your injuries by filing an accident claim or lawsuit.

One of the most common injuries in car accidents is whiplash, most often someone suffers a whiplash injury when involved in a rear end collision. A whiplash injury can occur in any type of vehicle accident including a head-on collision. You can sustain a whiplash injury even if the vehicle is moving at a low speed involving a minimal impact collision.

The term “whiplash” is a non-medical term frequently used to describe a range of neck injuries following a car accident. A whiplash injury occurs when the soft tissues of your neck are injured when a person’s neck is whipped backward and then forward very suddenly. The head is “whipped” backwards against the headrest, and then forward very quickly, possibly into an airbag. This flexing of the neck backwards and then forwards is what causes the whiplash.

The medical term for a whiplash is a neck sprain or neck strain. Whiplash can cause long-term pain and discomfort diminishing the quality of life. In many cases people can suffer long term effects such as chronic pain, difficulty sleeping, and problems with their concentration and memory.

Fortunately, a whiplash injury is not usually a life threatening injury; however, it can lead to a prolonged period of partial disability. The symptoms of a whiplash injury may not be immediately apparent. Symptoms will usually appear within twenty-four hours following the accident, but in some cases symptoms may not be apparent for several days or even weeks. Common symptoms include:

  • neck pain and stiffness
  • headaches (specifically at the base of the skull)
  • dizziness
  • blurred vision
  • constant weariness

Other symptoms can involve headaches, nausea, memory loss, confusion, depression, vomiting, backache and even blurred vision. Clearly with any of these symptoms it is unlikely that the person will be able to drive, nor will they be able to work. The symptoms may last for a matter of days, weeks or even months. In a few very unfortunate cases whiplash can be a permanent condition.

If you have experienced a whiplash injury and you begin to experience pain, numbness or weakness in your arms or moving your head becomes painful, you need to contact a physician immediately.

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), about 1 of every 4 people with whiplash report symptoms for up to a year, and about 1 in 10 patients report permanent symptoms as a result of their whiplash injuries.

If you, or a loved one, have been involved in a car accident in Rhode Island and are suffering from a whiplash injury, it is essential to contact an experienced Rhode Island Attorney who specializes in whiplash cases.

Free Car Accident Consultation

Call the Law Offices of Ronald J. Resmini, Accident & Injury Lawyers, Ltd. at (401) 751-8855 today to arrange a free consultation. Tell us about the accident and your injuries, and we’ll explain the legal process and answer all of your questions. We accept personal injury cases on a contingency agreement, so you will never receive a bill for legal fees or expenses unless we win money for you. Call now, because if you wait, you could miss a filing deadline and lose your right to make your claim.

Written By: Ronald J. Resmini

Last Updated : Thursday, July 20, 2023