New Hampshire Attorneys Discuss Rear-End Accidents and Whiplash
Rear-end auto accidents are commonplace on New Hampshire roads. When they occur at high impact, occupants of a vehicle struck from behind can suffer severe and life-threatening injuries. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data collected between 2001 - 2010 shows that fatalities caused by rear-end accidents are significantly low in comparison to head-on collisions and angle accidents.
In most cases, crash victims can walk away from rear-end collisions. They may experience some minor discomfort or no injury symptoms at all. Many feel that their injuries aren’t severe enough to seek medical attention. As the discomfort turns into pain, tension, and limited range of motion however, they realize their condition is more serious than they thought.
This condition is called whiplash, and it’s most commonly caused by rear-end collisions – even those that happen at low-impact.
What is whiplash and what are the symptoms?
Whiplash occurs when a crash victim’s head rapidly jerks forward and backward. This whip-like motion overstretches and damages the connective tissue encompassing the neck and spine. Symptoms of whiplash may appear days after an accident and usually include:
- Tension in the neck and upper back
- Neck pain with movement
- Shoulder pain
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Difficulty swallowing or chewing
- Tingling and burning in the limbs
If left untreated, these symptoms can worsen over time. That’s why it’s crucial that you seek immediate medical attention after a rear-end collision. Even if you feel perfectly fine, a medical evaluation can be a key component in your auto accident claim. It can also uncover other potential, underlying injuries that you may not have been aware of.
Treatment options
When undergoing a medical evaluation, your doctor may initially perform an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI to determine if you have any bone fractures or if there is any damage to your spine.
Your treatment options may include physical therapy to help improve circulation and restore mobility in your neck and spine. You may also be prescribed medication for pain and inflammation. In severe cases, your injury may require a brace to keep your neck in the correct position while it heals.
Undergoing medical procedures isn’t cheap. Even if you make a quick recovery, you may be faced with a heap of medical bills. Additionally, you may have had to take time off from work to recover, resulting in lost wages.
If you were hit from behind in a rear-end collision, you may be eligible for compensation. Getting compensation for your losses isn’t as simple as you may think. Even if there is no dispute that the driver who struck you was at fault, his or her insurance company may claim that you are overexaggerating your injury. At best, they may offer you a meager settlement that only covers a portion of your losses.
That’s why you need an experienced New Hampshire auto accident attorney on your side. The legal team at Burns, Bryant, Cox, Rockefeller & Durkin, P.A. will fight tirelessly to help you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to discuss your options.
