Are whiplash and a concussion the same injury?

neck and brain whiplash concussion

Unfortunately, there are several different types of injuries an individual could sustain as a result of another person’s negligence. However, two of the most common injuries victims suffer in accidents such as car crashes and slip-and-falls are whiplash and concussions. There is often confusion between these two injuries because they are caused by similar incidents. In addition, they share similar symptoms. However, despite their similarities, they are not the same injury. It is critical to understand the differences between them to ensure you receive proper medical care and treatment. Please continue to follow along to learn more about the difference between these two injuries and how a skilled Santa Clara County Personal Injury Attorney can help you.

Is there a difference between whiplash and a concussion?

Although whiplash and a concussion are caused as a result of an impact and have overlapping symptoms, they are different injuries. Many confuse these injuries because they do not realize they can suffer either or both injuries simultaneously as a result of an accident. When a car accident occurs, the impact of the collision causes the head to jerk forward and backward violently. This causes the brain to collide with the side of the skull and strains the neck. When a slip-and-fall accident occurs, the rapid motion combined with a jolt to the head can result in serious damage to the neck and head. Essentially, the main difference between whiplash and concussions is that whiplash is a neck injury while a concussion is a head injury. Although whiplash involves the head being violently jerked forward and backward, it is not a head injury. Whiplash causes severe strain on the neck. A concussion is an injury to the brain itself. Concussions are classified as mild traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Furthermore, as mentioned above these injuries have overlapping symptoms. This includes headaches, dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision, cognitive decline, aching, nausea, and vomiting.

What should I do if I’m injured in an accident?

If you are injured in a car crash or a slip-and-fall accident, it is imperative to seek immediate medical attention. Unfortunately, some injuries such as whiplash and concussions may not have immediate effects. If they are left untreated it could result in either post-concussion syndrome (PCS) or whiplash-associated disorder (WAD). Essentially, you may experience symptoms of these injuries for several years. After seeking medical attention, if you can, you should try to collect as much evidence from the scene as possible. This includes capturing pictures of the scene and collecting contact information from any witnesses. If you decide to pursue legal action, these steps can strengthen your case against a negligent party. Furthermore, if you are injured in any type of accident as a result of another person’s negligence, it is imperative to obtain the right legal representation. An experienced Santa Clara County personal injury attorney can help you investigate the cause of the accident and gather pertinent information that supports your claim.

In the unfortunate event that you or a loved one have been injured in an accident, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our trusted and determined attorneys. Our firm is committed to helping our clients get the justice they deserve. Allow our firm to represent your interests in court today.