In rear-end accidents, whiplash is one of the most common injuries. While it doesn't happen in every scenario, even accident victims in low-speed collisions can face this painful injury.
Whiplash is an injury to the neck that is caused by a sudden and forceful movement to the head. It happens in sports as well, but it is common in car accidents because of the force crashes put on vehicle occupants. It will affect the muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and discs in the neck area.
Recognizing Whiplash Symptoms
This common injury often results in neck pain, which can range from mild to severe. It can also be localized or felt throughout the neck and shoulders. Car accident victims with whiplash also experience headaches, neck stiffness, numbness in arms and legs, shoulder pain, lower back pain, jaw pain, dizziness, cognitive issues, fatigue, or difficulty sleeping.
It is imperative that you have a medical examination after your rear-end accident to check for whiplash. Even if you feel fine, these symptoms may not appear for 24 hours or more. You should monitor your symptoms and pay attention to any swelling or bruising in your neck.
If you have a limited range of motion in your neck or pain when you move your head, you should not ignore it. Additionally, whiplash is the most common cause of concussions in this type of car accident. Make sure you seek prompt medical care to help you before these whiplash symptoms worsen and leave you with lasting effects.
How Is Whiplash Treated After Auto Accidents?
Once you get to a doctor, they will examine you to determine the severity of your whiplash. Most of the time, they will require you to rest and alternate between hot and cold therapies. In more serious cases, especially if your rear-end crash was at high speed, you may need injections or surgery. You'll likely need to take time off from work to get rest and recover from your injuries.
What Is the Expected Recovery Period for Whiplash Injuries?
Many car accident victims will need to plan on allowing 4 to 6 weeks for whiplash to heal. However, it may take longer if your injuries are more serious. Severe or chronic cases may require a year or more of healing time.
Regardless of how long it will take to heal, it is important for you to follow all care prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip prescribed medications or medical appointments, as this can affect your car accident claim.
What Kind of Compensation Can You Receive for a Whiplash Injury in a Car Crash?
After suffering whiplash in a car accident, your own PIP insurance should cover some of these costs. In Florida, you must go through your own insurer first, regardless of who is at fault. However, you may be able to pursue a car accident case against the at-fault driver to cover your medical bills and other expenses related to the wreck.
Treatment for whiplash can be long and expensive. You may need physical therapy to restore the range of motion in your neck. You may not be able to go back to work for a month or more. Additionally, you may also be unable to return to work in your former capacity, requiring you to take a lower-paying position.
There are many expenses you can seek in compensation for your injuries from the person who caused your accident. If a concussion was also involved in your injuries, it is imperative that you work with a proper auto accident attorney who can fully calculate the extent of your damages. In this way, you will be able to get a fair amount as you deserve to cover these unexpected costs that someone else caused you to incur.
While it may be easy to show expenses you've racked up from medical bills and receipts, you can also seek compensation for your non-economic damages. Your pain and suffering may impact your enjoyment of life. You may be unable to do things you once loved to do, too, and you are entitled to be compensated for the mental anguish you have endured as a result.
