How Whiplash Occurs After Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are one of the most devastating types of collisions on the road. Due to their size and weight, trucks can cause severe damage to other vehicles and passengers. One of the most common injuries that can occur in a truck accident is whiplash.
What is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a type of neck injury that commonly occurs after a sudden and forceful movement of the head and neck, usually in a back-and-forth motion, which can happen in truck accidents. This movement can cause the soft tissues in the neck, such as muscles and ligaments, to stretch and tear, leading to pain and discomfort. Symptoms of whiplash can include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and difficulty with movement. Treatment for whiplash may include rest, pain relief medication, physical therapy, and other forms of rehabilitation. It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect that you may have whiplash, as this injury can lead to long-term complications if left untreated.
How Truck Accidents Can Increase the Risk of Whiplash
Several factors that can increase the risk of whiplash after a truck accident. These include the speed of the collision, the angle of impact, the position of the headrest, and the use of seatbelts. When a truck collides with a smaller vehicle, the force of impact is greater due to the weight and size of the truck. This can lead to more severe whiplash injuries.
The angle of impact can also affect the severity of whiplash. A rear-end collision is the most common type of truck accident, and it can cause the head to snap back and forth, leading to whiplash. However, if the impact is at an angle, the head may be thrown to the side, causing a different type of injury.
The position of the headrest can also play a role in whiplash injuries. If the headrest is too low or too far back, it may not provide enough support for the head during a collision. This can lead to more severe whiplash injuries.
Finally, the use of seatbelts can affect the severity of whiplash injuries. Seatbelts can prevent the body from moving forward during a collision, but they can also cause the head and neck to jerk forward and back, leading to whiplash.
Can I Recover Compensation for a Whiplash Injury?
If you suffer a whiplash injury in a truck accident caused by another party’s negligence, you are entitled to recover compensation for your losses. Typically that includes the following types of compensation:
- Current and future medical bills;
- Current and future lost wages;
- Diminished earning capacity if you are unable to earn the same level of income as before the accident due to your injury;
- Property damage (e.g., repairs or replacement of your vehicle and other personal items damaged in the crash);
- Pain and suffering;
- Loss of enjoyment of life;
- Emotional distress,
- And more.
If the defendant (at-fault party) exhibited an extreme disregard for your safety, the court may also award punitive damages. This type of compensation is awarded to the victim but is meant as punishment for the defendant and to deter others from similar behavior.
If you have suffered a whiplash injury, speak to a Los Angeles Truck Accident Attorney today. They will help you ensure the truck driver, trucking company, or other liable party is held responsible.