Common Signs of Whiplash after a Car Accident
Common Signs of Whiplash after a Car Accident
Whiplash is a painful neck injury, which severely impacts a person’s daily routine, including everything from walking to sitting and working to sleeping. It takes a significant amount of time to fully recover after an accident, and many accident victims experience whiplash symptoms for months. Whiplash injury is one of the most common auto accident-related injuries, and it can take a few days to start experiencing symptoms.
An Orlando accident attorney can help after an auto accident and help you obtain the compensation deserved and needed to help pay for the mounting medical bills and lost wages caused by a whiplash injury.
Types of Car Accidents that Cause Whiplash Injuries
Whiplash most commonly occurs after a rear-end auto accident; however, it can be caused by any collision. Additionally, whiplash can occur in accidents involving speeds as low as ten miles per hour. During the accident, the neck hyperextends in one direction, then it hyperflexes in the reverse direction. In some accidents, the head and neck can impact a hard surface, such as a headrest. During this time, bones, ligaments, nerves, muscles, and tissues in the neck become injured.
The time following an accident can be painful, so let a car accident attorney Orlando FL help you get the treatment you deserve.
Signs and Symptoms of Whiplash
Signs and symptoms of whiplash do not generally develop immediately after an accident. It can take up to 24 hours before a car accident victim develops any signs of having whiplash. Because accident victims may not feel stiffness, pain, or other symptoms of whiplash after an accident, they must seek medical treatment immediately after an accident.
Some signs and symptoms of whiplash include:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Increased pain with movement
- Muscle spasms
- Limited range of motion in the neck
- Neck tenderness
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Headaches starting at the base of the skull
Whiplash is graded on a scale of one through four, with four indicating a more severe injury, such as a possible fracture or dislocation. Those with more severe cases of whiplash may experience:
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Trouble sleeping and insomnia
- Difficulty concentrating
- Severe mood swings
What to Do After an Auto Accident
According to Florida law, you have 14 days to seek medical treatment to qualify for personal injury protection benefits. If not already done, see a medical professional after the auto accident for treatment as soon as possible. Then contact a car accident attorney in Orlando FL, for guidance on what to do about your injury.
Whiplash Recovery
Whiplash needs to be treated to return to everyday work and activities without any discomfort or pain. Once diagnosed by a medical professional, you will undergo a treatment plan designed to help with pain management, rebuilding neck strength, and restoring movement. Your whiplash treatment plan may include a mix of over-the-counter pain medications, rest, stretches, physical therapy, and chiropractic therapy.
How long it takes you to recover depends upon your body’s healing process and the severity of the whiplash injury. Minor injuries may heal in a few days, while more severe can take weeks, months, or longer to heal.
Whiplash Injury Compensation
Many think whiplash is a minor injury, and the neck pain will go away on its own. However, some auto accident victims suffer from disabling pain, causing them to miss work and accumulate medical bills because even whiplash can result in permanent injury.
If you have been diagnosed with accident-related whiplash, you may be entitled to receive compensation for:
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Medical bills, including the past, present, and future expenses
The compensation you may be entitled to may be based on your insurance coverage and the insurance coverage of the other drivers involved. The process to receive injury compensation can be challenging, and an Orlando whiplash attorney can help you through the process.
How an Orlando Accident Lawyer Can Help You
An Orlando car accident attorney can help you get the personal injury compensation you deserve after an auto accident. Your attorney will file your claim with insurance providers. Additionally, your attorney can help gather evidence – police reports, expert testimony, and medical records – to help prove the other driver was liable for the accident.
Blevins and Adams Law Group is your Orlando Car Accident Lawyer. Our attorneys understand the road to recovery after suffering a whiplash injury can be a long one. We are here to help get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys.