Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
Whiplash is the most common injury from a car accident
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), "In 2006, there were an estimated 5,973,000 police-reported traffic crashes, in which 42,642 people were killed and 2,575,000 people were injured…"
Car Accident Injuries
There are many types of injures you can sustain from a car accident in Massachusetts. In some cases nothing really happens aside from a few bruises, scrapes and a big scare, but other, less fortunate incidents may result in very serious injuries.
Below are some common types of car accident injuries:
- Whiplash
- Back injury
- Brain and head trauma
- Knee damage
- Spinal cord injury
What is Whiplash?
Whiplash ranks as the most common injury sustained from car wrecks and all traffic accidents for that matter. Whiplash is a nonmedical term used to describe neck pain following an injury to the soft tissues of your neck (specifically ligaments, tendons, and muscles). It is caused by forcing the neck to move beyond the normal range of motion.
- Whiplash can happen in motor vehicle accidents, sporting activities, accidental falls, and assault.
- The term whiplash was first used in 1928, and despite its replacement by synonyms (such as acceleration flexion-extension neck injury and soft tissue cervical hyperextension injury), it continues to be used to describe this common soft tissue neck injury. Your doctor may use the more specific terms of cervical sprain, cervical strain, or hyperextension injury. It is not as serious as some other injuries and there is a good chance you will recover quickly. Even if you do not experience immediate pain following your accident, it is important to see a doctor as the pain from whiplash may not be felt for a day or two.
The most life-threatening injuries are usually the ones received to the head and brain, neck, or spinal cord.
Medical advances over the years have greatly increased the number of patients who recover from these injuries. However, effective treatment requires immediate medical attention after the accident and ongoing care. The main focus of spinal cord injury treatment is two-fold; preventing any additional injuries to the spinal cord and helping the injured victim live an active life.
After being involved in any car or motorcycle collision, you should consult a physician to get help with any discomfort or pain you may be experiencing as a result of the incident.
You should also contact an attorney to get the legal advice you require.
Call a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have been seriously injured in an auto accident, contact the Boston accident attorneys for a FREE Consultation regarding your personal injury case.
Call our toll-free number today – 1-888-208-1695.
