Do you have whiplash after a car accident?
If you are in a car accident, it is likely you will suffer from whiplash. When your head abruptly jerks forward and/or backward, it can damage your neck. Anything from a fender bender to a catastrophic crash can result in neck injuries. Whiplash can result in various short- and long-term problems.
Thankfully, you may be able to get compensation for the medical bills, pain and suffering and lost wages you incur due to the at-fault motorist. Here are some important facts to know about whiplash so you can build an effective case.
Definition
The term “whiplash” is a way to refer to a neck strain or sprain. Any combination of damage to the joints, ligaments, discs, nerves and muscles may result in a whiplash diagnosis.
Common signs
Here are common symptoms of a whiplash injury:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Shoulder pain
- Lower back pain
You may not notice any symptoms right away. In fact, it may take several days after the collision for you to experience any symptoms. This is why it is vital to not make any statements about “feeling fine” or not being hurt immediately after a crash.
Serious symptoms
Whiplash may be more severe if you have any memory problems, difficulty concentrating, ringing in the ears or blurry vision. This may indicate more serious trauma or the presence of another injury, such as a traumatic brain injury.
Long-term complications
Your whiplash may not get better quickly. In fact, whiplash can persist for months or years after an accident. You may suffer from chronic pain. This may cause you to require long-term treatment such as pain medications and physical therapy. Long-term problems can also cause a great deal of suffering and lead to depression or anxiety. Due to the potentially high costs and risks of whiplash, it is important to not accept an early, low-ball offer of compensation until you know the full extent of the injury.