Whiplash is a medical condition that occurs when the muscles in the neck are suddenly jolted backward, then forward, such as the head snapping back and forth. It is a common byproduct of car accidents, as the impact of the collision often causes the head to move violently. Below, the injury attorneys at Sanders Austin & Flanigan in Princeton, West Virginia, discuss three facts about whiplash and car accidents.

1. Post-Accident Whiplash Causes Pain, Stiffness, & Other Issues

Most people who experience whiplash after an accident will feel pain or stiffness in their neck. It is also common to have headaches and lightheadedness. But because these symptoms can also point to more serious concerns like head trauma, it's crucial to be checked out by a medical professional in the wake of an accident.

2. Whiplash May Not Show Up Right Away

After a car crash, you might not feel any noticeable discomfort in your neck. In fact, many people don't experience issues until days after the accident. Even if your neck feels fine post-accident, an injury attorney will still advise you to take it easy for a few days; placing undue strain on the neck will only make any whiplash that develops that much more painful.

3. Whiplash Can Be Serious

We tend to think of whiplash as a minor injury that doesn't need much attention. While most cases of whiplash will resolve over the course of a few days or weeks, some cases can be quite severe and life-limiting. Extreme cases of whiplash are well-documented and can lead to numbness in the arms or shoulders and lasting stiffness in the neck, greatly reducing one's mobility; treatments like intensive physical therapy may be warranted.

If you have been involved in a car accident and experienced whiplash, let the injury attorneys at Sanders Austin & Flanigan help you explore your legal options; they also offer representation as disability attorneys and divorce lawyers. You can reach them by calling (304) 425-8125 or visiting their website; follow them on Facebook and Google+ to stay informed of helpful legal tips and advice. Don't let car accident-induced whiplash limit your ability to live, work, and enjoy your life; call Sanders Austin & Flanigan today.