Whiplash is a relatively common personal injury, especially after car accidents. Despite this, many people don’t realize how serious it can be. Whiplash happens when the neck is forced to move back and forth suddenly. It might not seem like a big deal at first, but even at low speeds, the violent motion can damage ligaments, muscles, and even the spine.
Common Symptoms of Whiplash
Whiplash doesn’t always show up right away. Very often, in fact, symptoms can take hours or even days to appear. When they do, they can range from mild discomfort in your neck to severe pain that radiates down into your back.
Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Headaches (often starting at the base of the skull)
- Pain and stiffness in the neck
- Dizziness or blurred vision
- Pain in the shoulder, upper back, or arm
- Trouble with concentration and memory
- Sleep disruptions and fatigue
When you’re suffering from whiplash, just looking down at your phone can become painful. Some people even face emotional troubles like depression or irritability.
Potential Long-Term Complications of Whiplash
Most people recover from whiplash within a few weeks when they get the right care. Unfortunately, others deal with pain for months or even years after their accident.
Chronic complications of whiplash can involve:
- Frequent headaches or migraine
- Tingling or numbness in the arms
- Persistent neck pain and stiffness
- Trouble thinking clearly or focusing
Some people struggle to return to their normal routines because of lingering discomfort and pain. Trying to ignore it could only make it worse and even lead to permanent disability, so getting medical help quickly is very important.
Whiplash: Diagnosis and Treatment
Doctors usually diagnose whiplash based on a patient’s symptoms, a physical exam, or imaging tests like MRIs and X-rays. Even if no major trauma shows up on a scan, that doesn’t mean the injury isn’t serious. Soft tissue injuries often aren’t visible on standard tests, but they still cause a lot of pain.
Treatment depends on how severe the injury is. Mild cases usually improve with rest, standard pain relievers, and ice. More serious cases might need physical therapy to reduce pain and improve mobility and prescription-strength painkillers. Many benefit from massage therapy and chiropractic care, as well as anti-inflammatory injections.
The best way to recover fully is by following your doctor’s treatment plan without rushing back into your normal activities too quickly. Moving too much too fast could make the injury worse, but staying completely still can also cause more stiffness and pain. You need the right balance, and your doctor can help you through that.
What To Do After a Whiplash Injury
If an accident happens, taking the right steps can make a big difference for both your health and any possible legal claims you might need to make.
Seek Medical Care
Even if you don’t feel any immediate pain, you should still get checked out by a doctor. Some injuries take time to show up, and medical records will be important if a claim is filed later. Make sure to follow your treatment plan closely to show the seriousness of your injury and improve your chances of a full recovery.
Document Everything
Take pictures and videos of the accident scene, damage to your car (if it was a vehicle crash), visible injuries, and anything else you think might be relevant later. Keep records of your doctor visits, treatments, and expenses.
Don’t Talk To Insurance Providers Alone
Insurance companies will likely try to reduce or deny your claim, and they do it by getting you to say something that can be used against you. Don’t give them a recorded statement, and direct them to contact your attorney if they have any questions.
Seeking Compensation for a Whiplash Injury
Whiplash may not always be visible, but that doesn’t make it any less real. Hospital bills, lost time from work, and the costs of ongoing treatment add up fast. If someone else’s negligence caused your accident, that person should be held responsible for those costs.
Insurance companies like to downplay the severity of whiplash, especially if there aren’t any visible wounds or broken bones. They might send you a quick settlement offer that won’t fully cover your costs, so it’s best to understand your legal rights before you accept an offer.
A fair settlement should include compensation for all of your losses after your injury. Every case will differ, but generally, that means hospital bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future expenses if you’re dealing with chronic pain.
Get Legal Help With Your Whiplash Injury Claim
If you’ve suffered whiplash after being in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, don’t wait to take action, Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys will help you. Contact our team today for a free consultation about your case, or call us at (803) 291 4717.
