Table of Contents
Whiplash is a common injury in car accidents, and it can be a very serious one. If you or a loved one were in a car accident, it is imperative to your health that you understand the symptoms of whiplash. Doing so can ensure that you receive proper medical attention and preserve your legal rights.
At Frank Azar Car & Truck Accident Lawyers, we know that serious accidents require serious legal representation. Find out how we can fight for the compensation that you deserve.
What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a neck injury that results from the violent back and forth movement of the head. This rapid movement, akin to the cracking of a whip, can cause injury to the head, neck, and other areas. For some victims the pain is mild, but in other cases it is severe.
Vehicle Accidents That Can Lead to Whiplash
Motor vehicle accidents are the most common cause of whiplash. Any of the following types of car crashes may cause it:
Other Causes of Whiplash
Car accidents are not the only causes of whiplash. Others include:
When Do Whiplash Symptoms Appear?
Every accident victim is different, so the ways in which whiplash symptoms manifest themselves will vary. In some cases, the victim notices symptoms in the hours immediately following the accident. But it may take several days for the signs of injury to show up. Seeking prompt medical attention is essential to receiving the diagnosis and treatment you need.
Common Symptoms of Whiplash
If you have experienced any of these symptoms, you may have whiplash:
- Neck pain
- Neck stiffness
- Worsening neck pain resulting from movement
- Decreased range of motion in the neck
- Headaches, especially at the base of the skull
- Concussion and traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Shoulder, back, or arm pain and tenderness
- Numbness or tingling sensations in the arms
- Fatigue
What Are Whiplash Associated Disorders?
There are also more enduring complications collectively known as Whiplash Associated Disorders, or WAD. You should be aware of the following problems if you’ve experienced any of the symptoms listed above:
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty sleeping
- Cognitive disorders
- Memory loss
- Trouble focusing
- Irritability and mood changes
- Depression
The Long Term Effects of Untreated Whiplash
The symptoms of whiplash and WAD can last for years if the victim does not receive proper treatment. The victim may experience several ongoing problems, including:
- Misalignment of the spine
- Degenerative disc disease
- Severe headaches and migraines
- Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ)
- Chronic neck and back pain
- Hip and knee pain
- Continued numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
- Nerve pain, such as a burning or pinched nerve sensation
- Stiffness and loss of mobility
- Vertigo
What to Do If You Suspect Whiplash
It cannot be stressed enough: if you believe you have whiplash, see a doctor right away. (Even if you do not notice any injury symptoms, see your doctor anyway after a crash, just to rule out unnoticed trauma.) Your doctor will conduct an appropriate examination to diagnose the whiplash and recommend a treatment regimen. You should follow all treatments, take any medications prescribed to you, and see any specialists to whom you are referred. Also be sure to return for any follow-up medical appointments.
After you see a doctor, speak with a seasoned car accident lawyer who can assist with the insurance claims process.
How Is Whiplash Diagnosed and Treated?
Your doctor will ask a series of questions about the accident to understand its effects on your body. Your doctor will also order an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI to get a closer look at your head and neck. Whiplash and WAD are typically categorized as one of the following grades:
Your treatment may include:
Pain management
The goal is to reduce your pain by:
Exercise and physical therapy
Your physician may prescribe a series of exercises to assist with physical therapy, including:
- Side to side neck rotations and head tilts
- Bending your neck towards your chest
- Rolling your shoulders
- Exercises to increase range of motion
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), where a mild electric current is applied to the skin
Some doctors also give their whiplash patients foam collars. There are advantages and disadvantages to these, and you will not want to immobilize your neck so much that it prevents proper healing. Your physician can determine whether and for how long to wear one.
Why Whiplash Is Often Dismissed as a “Minor” Injury
Not everyone takes whiplash seriously. Symptoms may not appear right away, and the at-fault party may dismiss them as artificial. Nonetheless, whiplash is real and so are the pain and complications that many victims experience. In fact, pain and other medical problems may last for weeks or months. Even a relatively minor, low-speed accident can trigger whiplash and WAD. Regardless of what the at-fault party or their insurance company believes, your health comes first. Be sure to get prompt medical attention to care for yourself.
When to Contact a Colorado Personal Injury Attorney
After you begin receiving the proper healthcare treatment for your whiplash and other injuries, you should connect with a knowledgeable Colorado personal injury lawyer. Your whiplash injury lawyer can assist you in a number of ways. Among these are helping you file an accident claim and, if necessary, a lawsuit. Your lawyer will work to win the compensation that you deserve for your medical expenses and other losses.
Suffering With Whiplash? Our Attorneys in Colorado Want to Help
If you suffer whiplash symptoms or other problems after being in a car accident, don’t delay seeing your healthcare provider. Then, reach out to Frank Azar Car & Truck Accident Lawyers. We have offices throughout Colorado for your convenience. Learn more about how we can serve you by calling 855-637-1268 or completing our contact form.
