Most people have heard of whiplash injuries but fewer know what they really are and how to prevent them. It is actually soft tissue injury and can be caused by the neck suddenly extending and retracting. It can happen in many ways but is most often associated with car accidents – and for good reason. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, it is the most frequently reported injury after a car accident.
While some may assume that whiplash is a relatively minor injury that goes away quickly, the truth is that it can last for months and can have a significantly impact on a person’s life. Keep reading to find out how you can help reduce your chances of suffering from whiplash. If you have already been injured, contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation.
Preventing Whiplash in Car Accidents
There are a number of things you can and should do to low your risk of whiplash if you are in an accident. First, make sure that your headrest is appropriately adjusted. It should be positioned directly behind your head. The top should be at the top of your head. If you are tall this may not be possible, but you can still raise it as high as it will go. Likewise, a short person can lower it as far as possible.
Sit back in your car seat so that there is as little space as possible between the headrest and the back of your head. You may need to adjust how the seat reclines to achieve this. Ideally, the recline should be less than 20 degrees. This will help keep your body still if an accident happens, which can help prevent the head from jerking back and forth. Keep in mind that one study showed that a headrest that is within two inches of the back of the head is twice as effective as one that is further away.
Finally, make sure that you always wear your seatbelt when you’re driving – and make sure it is being worn correctly. This means adjusting it so that the shoulder belt goes across the chest – never behind the back. This may be less comfortable but it is much safer.
What to Do if You Believe You Have Suffered from Whiplash
If you believe you may have suffered a whiplash injury then your next call should be to your doctor. Contrary to what many people believe, there are medical treatments that can help. If you end up needing to file a personal injury lawsuit, you will also need these medical records to prove your case.
Then contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 to request a free legal consultation. We can go over how the accident happened and offer our best advice on what your legal options are.
