Whiplash typically refers to the soft-tissue injuries to the back and neck suffered when a victim’s head is suddenly and violently thrown back and forth. No two injuries are the same and whiplash affects each victim differently. With less severe cases, symptoms may clear up in as little as six weeks. Other times, a person may be left to live with the condition for years, even while receiving care from an experienced physician.
Delayed medical treatment, existing injuries, and the severity of an accident can all increase the duration of whiplash. Furthermore, if left untreated, a person may go on to develop whiplash associated disorder. On top of physical injuries, symptoms can include psychological stressors such as insomnia and depression. The first step to reducing the duration of whiplash is understanding the symptoms and seeking medical care immediately.
Symptoms of whiplash include:
- Muscle tightness and decreased range of motion
- Pain in the head, neck, and shoulder areas
- Headaches which start at the base of the head and move upward
- Sudden dizziness or fatigue
- Tingling sensations or numbness in the arms
- Difficulties concentrating or recalling events
Whiplash commonly occurs in rear-end car accidents and a popular misconception is that it only occurs during particularly bad crashes. While it is true that a hard collision may increase the chance of serious injury, whiplash can happen even at seemingly slow speeds. In the case of a car accident, the position of a victim’s headrest, seat, and body at the time of a collision can all play a role in determining the seriousness of resulting injuries.
Seeking Medical Treatment
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident, it is vital to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Only a doctor can diagnose your injuries and recommend a course of treatment. In addition to protecting your health, getting medical care early can also help to protect a personal injury claim. When seeking compensation, the events of your accident will undergo intense scrutiny. Failure to see a doctor in a timely manner may be used against your claim as evidence that any injuries are not as severe as communicated.
Are You Suffering from Whiplash? Contact Us Today
If you have been injured through no fault of your own, you may be able to claim restitution for your damages. No matter how your accident occurred, the legal team at Eliot Reiner, APLC can help you to understand the nature of your claim as well as what you may expect in the case ahead. Our Sacramento personal injury attorney has been representing the injured in Northern California for nearly two decades, recovering millions of dollars for past clients.
Do you have a claim? Call (916) 778-3228 and speak with our attorney about your options during a FREE consultation.