Car Accident Attorney
When a person is in a car accident, it is not uncommon for them to not realize they have been injured. This is because when the crash occurs, there is a major rush of adrenaline that kicks in as a self-protection mechanism. Once that adrenaline wears off and things come down, the symptoms – especially pain – make themselves known. One of the most frequent types of injury this delay happens with is whiplash. Whiplash occurs when the head is jerked back and forth rapidly, causing the snapping of the neck. A car accident attorney understands the impact this type of injury can have on a victim and can help obtain the financial compensation they may deserve.
Whiplash Symptoms
It is always recommended that any car accident victim seeks medical attention immediately after the crash, even if the accident seems like a minor one. It can take a few days for the symptoms to begin to appear and this delay in treatments can hamper recovery or make it longer.
Whiplash is one of the most common types of injuries that happen in minor crashes, especially rear-end accidents. Any type of impact that causes a person’s neck to move in an unnatural manner, resulting in the whiplash injury.
Symptoms of whiplash include:
- Dull pain or ache in the neck
- Difficulty turning the neck from side to side
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Muscles spasms
- Anxiety
- Memory issues
- Sudden mood changes
- Difficulty staying focused
- Insomnia
Whiplash Treatment
Typical treatment of whiplash involves heat and ice, along with medication for pain relief. It can take up to two weeks for symptoms to begin to ease up, however, if symptoms become worse, interfere with sleep, have a negative impact on the victim’s daily life, or do not get better, they should contact their doctor right away.
If the whiplash symptoms do not go away or become worse, the victim’s doctor will look for further soft tissue damage, usually through a CAT scan or MRI. In addition to pain medication, recommended treatment may include stretching exercises, physical therapy, and/or steroid injections. Severe whiplash can last for months, if not longer. It can also trigger issues with preexisting back or neck problems.
Contact a Personal Injury Law Firm Today
If you have been injured in a car accident caused by another driver, you may be entitled to damages for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, permanent disability, and more. Keep in mind, however, that car accident claims do have a statute of limitation for how long a victim has to file. Once that timeframe expires, so too does the victim’s ability to take legal action against the party responsible for their injuries. Make sure you speak with a lawyer who is skilled and knowledgeable in personal injury. Call an experienced car accident attorney.
