Whiplash Symptoms and Treatments Following a Car Accident

 Posted on July 16,2018 in Personal Injury

One of the most common types of injuries car accident victims face is whiplash, which occurs when the sudden movement of a person’s head places their neck and spine under a great deal of stress. Regardless of how whiplash occurs, those who suffer from it typically require some type of medical treatment in order to recover. Those who have been involved in a car accident should be sure to understand what this neck injury is and what your rights are if you sustain it.

Whiplash Symptoms

The symptoms of whiplash usually appear within 24 hours of an accident, and they may include:

• Neck pain and stiffness, which worsens with movement
• Headaches and migraines
• A limited range of motion in the neck
• Dizziness and fatigue
• Memory or concentration issues
• Sleeping challenges
• Sensory problems like ringing in the ears or blurry vision
• Depression and irritability 

If the accident occurred at a higher speed, or if a driver or passenger was not wearing their seatbelt and/or their head was positioned more than a few inches from the headrest, whiplash symptoms will likely be more severe. 

Whiplash Treatments

The severity of the injury, as well as the victim’s health history and current health, will determine how their whiplash is treated. In most cases, a doctor will recommend the following treatment options:

• Medication: Pain medications and/or muscle relaxants may be prescribed to reduce symptoms.
• Physical and Occupational Therapy: A therapy regimen may effectively reduce pain, strengthen muscles, and increase range of motion.
• Devices: Neck braces or foam collars are examples of devices that a victim may need to use while they recover. 
• Mental Health Counseling: In severe whiplash cases that lead to emotional problems such as anxiety or depression, mental health treatment may be necessary.

Challenges With Whiplash Car Accident Claims

Since stretched ligaments and muscles do not appear on x-rays, there is no particular test that can confirm that someone has whiplash. In order to diagnose whiplash, a doctor will perform an exam and ask the patient for input. 

Due to the fact that whiplash and other soft tissue injuries are difficult to prove in car accident claims, whiplash victims should make it a priority to fully document their condition. All appropriate appointments, medical records, treatments, and doctors’ notes should be documented. By sharing the right documentation with an attorney, whiplash victims can increase their chances of recovering the full and fair compensation they are entitled to.

Contact a Delafield Car Accident Attorney Today

If you have suffered from whiplash as a result of another driver’s negligence, please contact a Delafield car accident attorney at Bucher Law Group, LLC. We can help demonstrate that the accident caused your injury and work to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve for your damages. Call us today at 262-303-4916 to schedule a free consultation. 

Sources: 

https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/neck-pain/what-whiplash