How to Deal with Whiplash Injuries from an Auto Accident

Whiplash is one of the most frequently suffered injuries in traffic vehicle accidents, resulting in painful soft tissue damage if left untreated for a long time. However, in most cases, whiplash injuries do not manifest right away, and can take a few days to fully develop. That is why most victims do not even know that they have experienced whiplash, until the symptoms become apparent. The recovery process can be long and difficult, depending on the severity of the injury, and it is essential that you seek financial compensation for your damages from the responsible party to help with the treatment.

Signs and Symptoms of Whiplash Injury

Whiplash is generally associated with soft tissues of the neck that are damaged due to sudden jerks as a result of a collision with another vehicle. The reason why whiplash is common in auto accidents is because a driver can suffer these injuries in low-speed collisions, such as hitting another vehicle while backing out from a driveway or parking space. The sudden to-and-fro movement of the body while the head remains in the same position results in extreme extension and flexion, causing damage to the soft tissues in the neck.

Common signs and symptoms of a whiplash injury include:

• Difficulty in concentrating, memory problems, blurred vision, or sleep problems
• Headaches focused on the skull’s base
• Restricted range of neck motion
• Pain in moving the neck or head
• Pain in the upper back, shoulder, or arms
• Stiffness of the neck
• Tingling in the arms

The problem with whiplash-related injuries is that they do not appear to be serious at the beginning, but worsen over time, leading to the above symptoms which may get serious and painful.

Dealing with a Whiplash Injury

If you have been involved in an auto accident, you should consider seeking medical attention immediately to evaluate your injuries. While there is a slight chance that a whiplash injury may appear during the initial evaluation, it will help you get a medical record for other injuries. The whiplash injury is likely to manifest in the following days, so be on the lookout for any aforementioned symptoms and visit a doctor after a few days to get a thorough check up. Make sure you keep copies of all the records and observations of your doctor as they can play an important role in establishing your claim.

If you have hired an auto accident attorney and they suspect a whiplash injury, they are likely to recommend a medical specialist, like a neurologist, back and neck expert, or chiropractor, to evaluate your condition instead of a general physician. Based on your medical reports and specialist’s observation, you can make a claim on the at-fault driver’s insurance policy and receive compensation for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and prescription medication.

Whiplash injuries can lead to severe, chronic pain and difficulty in mobility of certain parts of your body. So if an auto accident has resulted in a whiplash injury, you should consider filing a case against the responsible party to recover compensation. Consult with an experienced auto accident attorney today by calling at 815-209-9030 to schedule an appointment.