The Basics of Whiplash Accidents May 6, 2014 | Page 2

Accidents happen every day and one of the most common injuries from those
accidents is whiplash. A whiplash happens when the head suddenly moves
forward, backward or sideways. Thus, it causes an injury to the neck. It is an
accident that usually happens when a motorcycle or car has been hit in the
rear. It can also be sustained in other ways and it is the type of injury that is
covered by insurance.

The definition of whiplash
The term “whiplash” is used in a
wide range of neck injury injuries. It
is a common injury when a car gets
rear-ended. The impact can send
the the body of the driver or
passenger forward while their
heads remain in place. It would
then expose the neck, followed by
extension and tension that patterns
a whip-like motion. When the neck
gets injured due to this jerking or
snapping, it is called whiplash.

Personal injury lawyers do not use the
word “whiplash” because it has
become synonymous to fake or
sensationalized personal injury claims.
It's better to not use this word when
raising your personal injury concern
to the court or the insurance
company.
Today,
the
term
“whiplash” is known for more
technical names such as hyperextension injury, neck sprain or strain,
myofascial injury, etc.