What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash injuries come from abrupt back-and-forth movement of the head and neck. Whiplash may also be characterized as a neck strain, a neck sprain, or a neck injury, but these terms can refer to other conditions as well.
The same back-and-forth motion associated with whiplash can cause other problems too, such as bone fractures, injuries to the discs of the spine, nerve damage, and injuries to the muscles and ligaments in the back.
Whiplash After a Car Accident
Whiplash after a car accident occurs most often when the car suddenly stops, like in a rear-end collision. Since the victim’s body is traveling at high speeds, the neck keeps going forward and then is quickly jerked back when the car stops.
The resulting injury is often extremely painful, although the pain does not always present immediately after experiencing a trauma. Soft tissue injuries and back strains from whiplash, especially, may take a few days to show the full range of symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms of Whiplash Injuries
Symptoms of whiplash will vary from person to person, but they may include the following:
- Pain and stiffness in the neck, especially when trying to move
- Decreased range of motion in the neck
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Pain in the shoulder(s) and/or upper back
- Numbness or a tingling sensation in the arms
- Fatigue
In more extreme or complex cases (especially those that involve a traumatic brain injury as well), victims may also suffer from other symptoms, such as:
- Blurred or double vision
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Disturbances in sleep patterns, such as feeling extremely tired (hypersomnia) or not being able to sleep (insomnia)
- Changes in mood, such as increased irritability or suffering from depression
- Difficulty concentrating or suffering from memory problems
Should I Seek Medical Treatment?
Getting medical treatment right away is essential after a car wreck, especially if you’re experiencing the symptoms of whiplash. Even if you aren’t suffering from any pain right away, it may be best to get checked out by a doctor. A qualified physician will be able to evaluate your condition, and they may detect signs and symptoms that you haven’t noticed yet.
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Having detailed medical records starting right after the crash will also help if you choose to file a personal injury claim to get compensation for your medical bills, lost wages for missed work, and other losses that result from your injury. Whiplash claims are often looked at with skepticism by insurance adjustors, but having proof of medical records directly after your injury will help support your claim and build a stronger legal case.
Filing a Whiplash Injury Claim
If you’re experiencing whiplash symptoms after a crash, you should contact an experienced car accident attorney like David L. Hood. During a free initial consultation, your attorney can listen to the details of your story and give you informed advice about what your best course of action is moving forward.
Unfortunately, many people don’t consider speaking with an attorney until the medical bills start to pile up or until they get a meager settlement offer from the insurance company. An experienced lawyer can still help them at this point, but it requires a lot of catch-up if they haven’t been keeping track of their medical bills and expenses. If you have not yet spoken to a lawyer, it is important to keep careful track of documents like medical bills, pay stubs, and pharmacy receipts. Any out-of-pocket expenses or other financial losses could be eligible for compensation if you have a comprehensive paper trail.
And if the insurance company offers you a settlement that doesn’t cover your expenses and meet your financial needs — or if they don’t offer you a settlement at all — then call David L. Hood for help.
David L. Hood: Helping Whiplash Victims in South Carolina
If you have been injured by another driver in a car accident — especially if you are suffering from a neck, spine, or back injury — please call The Law Offices of David L. Hood right away at (843) 491-6025 or fill out our brief online contact form. We offer free consultations where we can listen to your story and give you advice about what your best course of action is moving forward. And if you choose David L. Hood to handle your personal injury claim, our legal team will handle all the details of your case so you can focus on healing.
We aggressively pursue justice and compensation for those who have been harmed in car accidents, and if we take on your case, you do not have to pay us unless we reach a settlement or win your case in court.*
*Clients are not liable for any expenses, unless there is a recovery in their case; however, if there is a recovery in their case, clients will be liable for expenses. Attorney’s fees are based on a percentage of the recovery, which will be computed before deducting expenses.
