Whiplash Myths

There are many myths and misconceptions about whiplash injuries. These "tall tales" can impact the way you view your own injuries, or how others react to your accident injury. Below, we've debunked a few of the most common myths about whiplash injury:

Myth: If You Don't Feel Any Immediate Pain There is No Whiplash Injury

This myth couldn't be further from the truth. Whiplash injuries commonly present symptoms days or sometimes weeks after the initial accident. Even if you feel fine after a Clarksburg accident, always seek medical attention to determine if a whiplash or other injury has occurred. 

Myth: X-Rays Can Show Whiplash Injuries

An x-ray cannot show soft tissue injuries. However, x-rays are used to diagnose whiplash injuries by ruling out injuries to the spine. A whiplash diagnosis can be based on: 

• Ÿ A physical exam;
• Ÿ X-ray tests to rule out arthritis or spinal cord damage;
• Ÿ Computerized tomography (CT) tests (x-rays taken from a number of different directions); and
• Ÿ Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests that use radio waves and a magnetic field to examine the affected areas. 

Myth: You Can't Get Whiplash if Your Car Hasn't Been Damaged

You can get whiplash regardless of the damage to your car. Cars are designed to absorb a certain amount of force in the event of an accident. Necks were not designed with car accidents in mind. A headrest may help prevent or minimize a whiplash injury if the headrest is set properly. Most people are not aware that the top of a headrest should meet at least the top of the ears and should sit 4 inches or less from the back of the head.

For more information about whiplash injuries, please visit our article library.

Contacting a Clarksburg Personal Injury Attorney

Unfortunately, car accidents are a regular occurrence on West Virginia roadways such as I-79, I-77, Route 50, Route 33, and I-68. In fact, our state averages over 40,000 car crashes, over 400 deaths, and over 11,000 serious injuries each year. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a West Virginia car accident, order a FREE copy of our consumer guide, The 7 Biggest Mistakes that Can Wreck Your West Virginia Car Accident Claim then contact a Clarksburg personal injury attorney at The Miley Legal Group for a FREE consultation - 304- 326-1800