Car accidents may be stressful, leaving you with physical and mental injuries. Whiplash is one of the most prevalent injuries caused by vehicle accidents. Whiplash, commonly dismissed as a minor injury, can cause long-term discomfort and agony if left untreated.
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a violent, fast back-and-forth movement. Whiplash is a frequently occurring soft tissue injury caused by rear-end automobile collisions. It occurs when the head and neck are wrenched forward and abruptly come to a halt. If you suffer from whiplash after a motor vehicle accident, consult a Georgia motor vehicle accident lawyer for help.
Understanding whiplash
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a sudden back-and-forth head movement, similar to a bobblehead doll’s. If performed forcefully enough, this action can cause injury to the tendons, muscles, and discs in the neck.
Various factors can cause whiplash, the most common of which is a rear-end vehicle collision. Sports injuries, falls, and physical abuse are all possible causes.
Among the most common whiplash symptoms are:
- Cervical stiffness
- Lower backache
- Neck, arms, shoulders, or hands pain
- Tingling or numbness in the arms or hands
- Neck range of motion restriction
- Dizziness and/or headaches
- Tinnitus
- Having difficulty sleeping
- Vision distortion
The degree of the damage determines the treatment for whiplash. Rest, over-the-counter pain relievers, and administering cold or heat to the neck may suffice in minor instances. However, more severe whiplash injuries may necessitate prescription pain relievers, antidepressants (occasionally useful in reducing nerve pain), and muscle relaxants. A doctor may also prescribe physical therapy and a neck brace.
Get medical care right away.
Even if you do not feel any whiplash symptoms, you should still seek medical assistance immediately. Whiplash symptoms such as those described above might take hours or days to manifest. The sooner you get medical assistance from a trained practitioner, the sooner your injuries will be addressed. Immediate care may help prevent your injuries from worsening and may even hasten your recovery.
Seeking timely medical attention is also important for the outcome of your claim. It will prevent insurance companies, judges, and juries from suspecting that your claim is fraudulent or that a prior ailment caused your injury.
After you have been treated, here is what you should do to maximize the success of your claim:
- Stick to your treatment plan
- Submit an insurance claim
- Gather any kind of evidence you can
- Consult an experienced attorney
