Whiplash is a term used to describe soft tissue injuries occurring to the neck and shoulders, akin to a strain or sprain. Whiplash injuries are so named because they result from the head and neck snapping quickly back and forth when a vehicle collides with another. These injuries are most common in rear end and other sorts of car accidents.
According to the National Institute of Health, whiplash can present with immediate symptoms or symptoms may be delayed for several days. This makes it especially important for car accident victims to seek medical attention as soon as possible after the crash as they may be injured even if the full extent of the injuries is not yet felt.
Symptoms of Whiplash
If you have been injured in a car accident, it is important that you recognize the symptoms of whiplash. Whiplash is incredibly common among car accident victims and can seriously impact an accident victim’s freedom of movement, ability to return to work and daily life functions. Symptoms of whiplash can include, but are not limited to:
- Neck pain
- Neck stiffness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Abnormal sensations, such as prickling or burning
- Shoulder pain
- Back pain
In addition to these symptoms, some accident victims will experience cognitive, psychological, or somatic conditions as related to the whiplash, including memory loss, impaired concentration, sleep disturbances, depression, nervousness or fatigue. Such symptoms can indicate a more serious underlying injury in addition to whiplash that occurred during the accident and require a consultation with a medical doctor.
Treatment for Whiplash
Car accident victims suffering from whiplash have a variety of treatment options available. Treatment will generally include pain medications, muscle relaxants and a cervical collar that is typically worn for two to three weeks. Patients with psychological effects will also receive antidepressants or sleep medication. Whiplash sufferers will often require physical therapy, range of motion exercises or cervical traction. Supplemental heat pads can also assist in treatment.
Prognosis for Whiplash Sufferers
Generally, the prognosis for whiplash sufferers is good. Head and neck pain will generally cease within a few days or weeks. Most patients fully recover within three months, but some will continue to experience residual neck pain and headaches.
Compensation for Your Whiplash Injuries
If you have sustained a whiplash injury in a car accident caused by another person or party, you should be entitled to compensation from the party responsible for your injuries. Whiplash sufferers can accumulate considerable medical expenses, including prescription drug costs and physical therapy expenses. The pain that accompanies this injury and limited range of motion can additionally leave victims unable to work for days or weeks following the accident. Your automobile accident attorney will seek compensation for these expenses related to the accident.
Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law: Put Our Over 39 Years of Experience to Work on Your Case!
If you have been injured in an auto accident or lost a loved one due to a fatal car wreck, contact the Georgia Auto Accident Attorneys at Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law. Our firm is dedicated to assisting those injured in all manner of traffic accidents across Georgia and in the Southeast and we bring over 39 years of experience to your car accident case, providing you with the compassionate representation you need to protect your rights. The sooner you act after your injury, the greater your chances of obtaining a full recovery. As such, it is important that you seek the assistance of a licensed lawyer as soon as possible. Call Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law, 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.
