While the nature of motorcycle accidents makes them unintentional, an involved approach must be taken to dealing with the aftereffects of them, especially when these present challenges to the way a victim would normally live. With possibilities such as spinal injury, traumatic brain injury, severe neck pain, and other potential challenges, it's essential to have a plan of action to establish as normal a life as possible.
To this end, a personal injury lawsuit may be needed by victims to recover compensation to cover physical therapy, lost earnings, and more. One potential neck injury that may not be the first to come to mind from a motorcycle crash is a whiplash injury. It's the kind of thing people may more likely associate with sitting in a car seat.
Is this kind of injury even possible for motorcycle riders? Here are some interesting insights.
How Do Whiplash Injuries Work?
The brain is a pretty vulnerable organ, which is why it has the protection of bone. Wearing a helmet is meant to add to this protection though there can be health concerns from sudden and severe head movement when an accident occurs.
An arguably bigger concern is what happens to the neck as it is violently flung back and forth. This means severe neck injuries to the underlying tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Whiplash is this phenomenon.
Some of the symptoms a victim of whiplash may experience include neck stiffness, severe pain in the neck, shoulder pain, and even pain in the lower back.
More severe injuries from whiplash may also mean problems with vision, persistent headaches, and even depression. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can advise which age group has the most motorcycle accidents.
Do Symptoms of Whiplash Appear Immediately?
Unfortunately, because people expect accident-based injuries to take shape immediately, many will assume that all is well if nothing is felt when the crash occurs. However, whether it be standard soft tissue injuries or other spinal cord concerns, whiplash challenges don't always show up on the spot.
For some, days may pass. Others may not experience any issues for weeks. This delay could be for a variety of reasons such as adrenaline suppressing the initial pain or swelling from the injury taking time to show up.
Do Motorcycle Accidents Ever Lead to a Whiplash Injury in Nashville?
Car accidents are not the only ones where mild or severe whiplash injuries can happen. Motorcyclists are vulnerable too. For example, if a motorcycle should be hit at a low speed or from the rear, whiplash will likely happen alongside a brain injury.
Things get even more concerning at higher speeds since this will typically see the rider being violently flung from the bike, which is where the potential for neck and spinal injuries gets even worse.
Motorcyclists are advised not to self-diagnose. It's always best to see a doctor to get confirmation of any injury or lack thereof. This is especially important since apart from health and wellness, it's good to have a full understanding and documentation of medical expenses related to an insurance claim.
What Other Injuries Are Typical of a Motorcycle Accident?
Of course, whiplash injuries are not the only ones that can show up following a motorcycle accident. Some of the other types of injuries that affected parties may deal with include:
Traumatic brain injury
Temporary or permanent total or partial paralysis
Road rash
Lacerations
Loss of limbs
Disfigurement
Death
What if There's No Pain After an Accident?
Sure, pain and discomfort are indicators that something is wrong in the body. However, this doesn't mean an absence of them is an indicator that all is well. Unfortunately, this is the mindset that many accident victims have.
Motorcycle accidents are known to be especially concerning, especially considering the way riders can be seriously hurt since there's no protection around them like motorists would have. Considering this, if someone gets up after being hit without even a sore neck, the assumption is that there's nothing to worry about.
However, it's always recommended to get prompt medical attention after having been involved in any kind of vehicular accident. The delayed onset of whiplash injuries was explained above and other concerns may remain undiscovered without medical assistance. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can also give insight on who can file wrongful death in Tennessee.
How Are Most Whiplash Injuries Treated?
In most cases, an X-ray is not going to reveal whiplash injuries. Doctors will typically ask patients probing questions and may request a CT scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). With these scans, it becomes possible to see disc damage, soft tissue damage, or any issues with ligaments or the spinal cord.
The treatment process for whiplash injuries will typically include hot/cold treatments, pain relief medicine, injections, exercise, and gentle massages. Usually, a doctor will push for icing the area and moving gently within the first 24 hours.
What Does the Healing Process Look Like?
For the most part, whiplash victims can expect to be over their injuries within six to nine months of when the accident occurred. However, there is the matter of chronic whiplash. Those suffering this kind of injury may see years pass before full healing takes place.
What Should You Do After an Accident?
Getting medical attention should always be the first order of business, even if it's calling an ambulance to the site of the crash, assuming the ability to move and function.
Beyond that, considering an insurance claim is likely on the horizon, other recommended courses of action include gathering pictorial and video evidence, images of the vehicle driver's documents, and witness contact information.
Avoid speaking to any insurance company without first speaking to motorcycle accident law firms in Nashville TN since insurance companies will subtly attempt to make victims say things that can later be used against them to prevent the need for compensation.
Schedule a Free Consultation with an Expert Nashville Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today!
Motorcycle accidents in Nashville are very serious, especially when injuries such as whiplash can be so common and can have far-reaching effects. If you've suffered a whiplash injury because of someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.
Schedule a free consultation today with an experienced attorney who is ready to go to war for you! Call Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys to get started!