You’re sitting in your car waiting for the light to turn green when BAM! another driver strikes you from behind. Your head snaps quickly back then forward from the impact. Though you may not feel any pain or discomfort right away, it’s important to keep an eye out for these whiplash symptoms in the hours and days following your accident.
What Are the Symptoms
As the name implies, whiplash occurs when the head “whips” back and forth as the result of the quick acceleration and deceleration that can happen in a rear-end accident. Though whiplash symptoms can clear up within a matter of weeks, some whiplash injuries can lead to chronic pain from damage to the vertebrae and discs in the neck and other surrounding tendons, ligaments, and tissue. Some of the injuries can even last for the rest of your life.
If you are in an accident, be sure to check for the following symptoms. Many of the symptoms develop within 24 hours, while others may take more time to become apparent:
- Neck pain
- Neck stiffness
- Difficulty moving neck because of pain
- Range of motion issues
- Pain and tenderness in the shoulders, arms, and back
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Tingling in the arms
- Trouble sleeping
- Blurred vision
- Tinnitus
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loss of memory
- Irritability and Depression
Symptoms that start out strong could be a sign that chronic pain is likely. You may also develop chronic pain and complications if you have existing neck or back pain or have had whiplash before. The older you are, the more likely you are to experience complications. If you experience any of these symptoms in the days after an accident, you’ll need to take action.
What to Do When Whiplash Symptoms Appear
You should always seek medical attention immediately after a car accident, but when symptoms appear after the fact, you should see a doctor again, especially if you are in pain. Not only can trauma to the neck lead to serious disability if left untreated, but also leaving your injuries untreated could keep you from getting the compensation you deserve from insurance or the other party if you decide to pursue a case against them. The reason for this is that seeking medical attention creates documentation that proves your injuries exist. The sooner you see a medical professional, the more likely you will be able to link your injuries to your accident.
If You Have Whiplash Symptoms, Contact Us
You should also seek the advice of an attorney experienced in personal injury car accident cases. Talk to us today to learn how Pacin Levine Attorneys at Law can help you get the compensation you need to recover from your injuries. We will be there with you every step of the way and help you maximize your payout so you can afford the medical treatment you need for current injuries and future complications. Get in touch with us now.
