The Basics Of Whiplash Injury

Whiplash is one of the injuries that may be sustained in a motorcycle collision, and it is one of the most prevalent. The rapid jolting in any direction, whether forward, backward, or sideways, of the head is what caused the injury. The abrupt movement that one goes through in a car collision causes the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck to overstretch, which may lead to serious injuries.

The symptoms of whiplash don’t present themselves right away. The first 24 hours after the accident are characterised by the onset of pain and stiffness, and the typical recovery period for mild whiplash, also known as acute whiplash, is 32 days.

The amount of time it takes to heal may be extended to months or even years if the neck was sprained more severely or if there were accompanying signs of a serious whiplash injury (chronic whiplash).

Reasons Of Whiplash Injury

When a bike is struck from behind on the road, whiplash is a common injury that might result. An collision to the side of the head may sometimes result in whiplash, although this is a far less frequent cause. Bracing for the impact may lessen the severity of a whiplash injury, but doing so while riding a bicycle or a motorcycle can be challenging.

Bracing for the impact can lessen the severity of a whiplash injury. Even at modest speeds, there is always a risk of sustaining a whiplash injury in an accident. Whiplash is a condition that may occasionally develop at faster speeds following a forceful hit to the head, such as after a fall.

Symptoms Of Whiplash Injury

A severe and prolonged pain and stiffness in the neck are the most prominent symptoms of a whiplash injury. It’s possible that the muscles in your neck could swell up and become painful to the touch. The symptoms of whiplash often start in the neck but may spread to the shoulders and arms as well.

The pain from a whiplash injury might sometimes go to the lower back, although this is a very unusual occurrence. Acute whiplash may sometimes be accompanied by secondary symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, and difficulty swallowing that only last for a brief amount of time.

In cases of chronic whiplash, more serious symptoms can occur. These symptoms include an extended period of persistent headaches, dizziness, fatigue, or problems with vision or hearing. Emotional and behavioral symptoms can include anxiety, depression, or sleep disturbance.

A condition called fibromyalgia, which causes pain in many joints across the body, can develop following a chronic whiplash injury. Fibromyalgia can sometimes form a long-term disability, but these cases are extremely rare.

Treatment and Recovery for Whiplash Injury

Most cases of acute whiplash will get better with only basic treatment. Staying active and continuing your regular lifestyle can ease muscle stiffness and aid recovery. Active treatments such as regular neck exercises or physiotherapy are also recommended.

If you require physiotherapy, our solicitors can usually arrange treatment at no cost to you. For cases of chronic whiplash, a treatment plan should be arranged with your GP. This may include active treatments such as exercises and physiotherapy, but may also include prescribed medication.

Claiming for Whiplash Treatment

If you have suffered a whiplash injury as a result of a motorbike or cycling accident, it is vital that you seek advice from specialist solicitors with experience of working with these injuries. Whether you have suffered an acute or chronic whiplash injury, you should receive the right amount of compensation for your injuries.

If you are unfortunate enough to not make a quick recovery, specialist solicitors will provide advice and support as you work on your claim. As your health is the absolute priority following an accident, specialist solicitors will attempt to recover the costs of medical treatment if liability has been admitted by the person or organization you are claiming against.

If you are considering making a claim for compensation, speak to one of the specialist solicitors specialize in cycling and motorcycle accident. Through an initial consultation you will receive advice on:

  • How to claim compensation for your enquiry.
  • Claiming for physiotherapy or other treatment. This can usually be arranged easily.
  • Recovering your financial losses as a result from your accident. This includes loss of earnings from being unable to work, insurance policy excess, travelling expenses, and any other income you have lost as a direct result of your accident.
  • Claiming for repair and replacement costs for your bicycle or motorcycle.