Whiplash Symptoms
Whiplash symptoms range from neck soreness to numbness in the affected area. Unlike many other types of injuries, your initial injury may not become severe (or even noticeable) until hours, days, or weeks after a car accident. Despite delayed onset, some whiplash injuries improve within a few weeks. However, some whiplash injuries can cause chronic neck pain and lead to mobility issues that result in long-term problems.
If you were in a car accident, it is important to identify whiplash symptoms early and seek treatment as soon as possible. Doing so not only protects your long-term health but also strengthens your potential personal injury claim. To discuss your legal options after experiencing whiplash symptoms, call Herschensohn Law at (206) 588-4344.
Whiplash is a neck injury that can take place during any type of car accident, but generally, it occurs after someone has been rear-ended.
In a typical whiplash injury, the head whips rapidly back and forth, causing muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissues that support the head and neck to become overextended, then stretch or tear. More severe whiplash can also cause nerve damage, herniated discs, spinal cord injuries, and other serious problems.
Whiplash symptoms can vary depending on how severe the damage is. Common symptoms include:
- Neck pain and soreness
- Stiffness and poor range of motion in the neck
- Headaches, which may originate near the base of the skull
- Muscle spasms
- Tenderness that extends into the shoulder, upper back, and upper arms
- Tingling or prickling sensations
More severe whiplash symptoms include:
- Pain that’s especially severe or develops instantaneously
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Ringing or buzzing in the ears
- Problems with memory or concentration
- Irritability
- Difficulty sleeping
These symptoms can be signs of not just whiplash but also brain injuries and neurological damage. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is vital you seek medical attention as quickly as possible to avoid long-term complications.
Could a Pre-Existing Condition Worsen My Symptoms?
If you were injured in a car accident and have a pre-existing history of neck pain, back pain, or degenerative conditions, you are at an increased risk of developing severe injuries resulting from whiplash.
Your doctor can take this information into account when crafting your treatment plan. They can also consider your age, weight, and what medications you take.
Only a doctor can definitively explain your treatment options after suffering whiplash. They may suggest:
- Physical therapy, such as hydrotherapy
- Medications
- Limiting your physical activity
- Wearing a neck brace
- Taking time off work
Surgical intervention isn’t necessary in most whiplash injury cases. Yet, your doctor may recommend this route if you suffered other neck and back injuries.
“Very knowledgeable and trustworthy. Zach Herschensohn provided me with excellent service. He kept me well informed and explained complicated issues in a way I could understand. He took the lead and guided me through everything necessary to achieve a successful outcome. Overall, I am very pleased with his service and would highly recommend him to anyone.”
“Very knowledgeable and trustworthy. Zach Herschensohn provided me with excellent service. He kept me well informed and explained complicated issues in a way I could understand. He took the lead and guided me through everything necessary to achieve a successful outcome. Overall, I am very pleased with his service and would highly recommend him to anyone.”
“Very knowledgeable and trustworthy. Zach Herschensohn provided me with excellent service. He kept me well informed and explained complicated issues in a way I could understand. He took the lead and guided me through everything necessary to achieve a successful outcome. Overall, I am very pleased with his service and would highly recommend him to anyone.”
“Very knowledgeable and trustworthy. Zach Herschensohn provided me with excellent service. He kept me well informed and explained complicated issues in a way I could understand. He took the lead and guided me through everything necessary to achieve a successful outcome. Overall, I am very pleased with his service and would highly recommend him to anyone.”
“Very knowledgeable and trustworthy. Zach Herschensohn provided me with excellent service. He kept me well informed and explained complicated issues in a way I could understand. He took the lead and guided me through everything necessary to achieve a successful outcome. Overall, I am very pleased with his service and would highly recommend him to anyone.”
Do not wait until symptoms become severe to see a doctor. You should always seek treatment immediately after an accident, even if symptoms appear minor. This not only helps you catch problems early, but it also helps you collect a strong body of evidence that could bolster your possible injury claim.
Follow Your Recommended Treatment Plan
Your treatment plan may comprise a combination of therapies, medications, and lifestyle changes. It’s vital that you follow your doctor’s orders because:
- You want to do everything possible to recover and reach maximum medical improvement.
- Doing so bolsters your personal injury claim.
If you want to discontinue or alter a part of your treatment plan, discuss this with your doctor. Do not make decisions without consulting a medical professional, as this could jeopardize your future.
Refrain From Giving a Recorded Statement
Even if you’re unsure about filing a personal injury claim, the liable insurance company may ask for a recorded statement anyway. It hopes that by catching you off-guard, you’ll reveal incriminating information about your role in the accident and the severity of your condition.
You don’t have to give a recorded statement. What’s more, when you entrust your whiplash injury case to Herschensohn Law, we can manage all dealings with the insurance company and its representatives.
Don’t Let the Insurance Company Downplay Your Car Accident Injury
Do not let an insurance company claim that your pre-existing health history prevents you from recovering compensation after your accident. Your susceptibility to severe injury does not impact liability, and you can still claim damages for treatment of a pre-existing condition that was re-aggravated or accelerated as a direct result of the crash.
If an insurance company attempts to deny your claim on the basis that you had a pre-existing condition, a car accident lawyer from Herschensohn Law could help you.
Partake in a Free, No-Obligation Legal Consultation
Herschensohn Law offers free consultations to injured claimants in Washington State. During this conversation, we can explore your legal options and discuss your rights. You can also get answers to some of your most burning questions, including what damages you could possibly recover.
Remember: you have a limited time to seek compensation under the state’s statute of limitations. If this deadline expires, you could lose the right to hold the negligent party accountable for your injuries. The sooner you get in touch with our legal team, the sooner we can start advocating for you.
Any car accident can cause whiplash. Whether you were in a rear-end collision or a T-bone crash, you could suffer injuries that result in expensive medical bills, weeks of missed work, and an unnecessary burden on your family.
You shouldn’t have to deal with the legal aftermath of a collision alone. That’s where Herschensohn Law comes in. Our team has decades of combined legal experience holding negligent parties financially accountable for their actions. A settlement or court award could offer compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
To connect with the team at Herschensohn Law, dial (206) 588-4344. There is no obligation to partner with us; just an opportunity to explore your options.
The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.
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