While it’s sometimes used as a joke on TV shows, whiplash is no laughing matter. It is a serious condition that often happens after a car crash, especially if you are hit from behind. Most victims can recover completely after a short time, but others suffer more serious injuries and complications, requiring extensive medical care.
If someone else is at fault for your vehicle accident, you should not have to pay the consequences of their bad actions out of your own pocket. Getting professional and trustworthy legal guidance can make all the difference in how well you recover. A Greenville car accident lawyer from Smith Jordan Law answers the question, “What is whiplash after a car accident, and what can I do about it?”
Whiplash affects the neck and shoulders
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, whiplash involves damage to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the neck and shoulders. When your head moves forward and back suddenly, such as in a rear-end car accident, these tissues can be torn, strained, or otherwise injured. Occasionally, the nerves in the area, including the spinal cord, could be affected.
Whiplash symptoms may appear within the first few hours or a couple of days after your accident. They are often disguised by the rush of adrenaline you experience as a result of your car accident, so you may not notice them until later, especially if you need emergency care for cuts, broken bones, or other severe injuries after your crash. The most common symptoms of whiplash include:
- Pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulders that gets worse when you move your head
- Limited ability to move your neck
- Headaches, dizziness, and fatigue
- Tenderness in your shoulders, upper back, and arms
- Tingling, numbness, or burning sensations in your arms or hands
Your doctor will use X-rays and other imaging techniques to determine the extent of the damage and determine your treatment. Typically, they will recommend icing the area to reduce inflammation, taking pain relievers such as ibuprofen or prescription medication, and wearing a neck collar to prevent further harm. You may also need physical therapy over the course of a few weeks to recover your full range of motion in your neck and eliminate any numbness or tingling.
Whiplash can end up costing you physically and financially
Although it is one of the most common car accident injuries, whiplash does not always show up immediately. Your doctor may not diagnose this condition right away, especially if you have more severe injuries. Much like overdoing it at the gym, the soreness and discomfort might become obvious after you think you are fine or once your other injuries are stabilized.
If you already have a pre-existing condition, such as a back or neck problem, whiplash is one of many delayed injuries that could make it much worse. After any kind of car accident, it’s critical that you see your doctor for a full evaluation. If someone else was to blame for the crash, this medical record can support your claim against their South Carolina auto insurance for compensation. You can also use your healthcare documentation to demonstrate negligence and secure full damages if you need to file a personal injury lawsuit with the help of a qualified car accident attorney in Greenville.
Along with unexpected medical bills, you could be out of work while you heal, adding to your worries as your regular costs add up without your usual income. If you need physical therapy or surgery to correct the damage from whiplash or any other injuries, these additional costs only add to your financial concerns. By working with an aggressive personal injury attorney in Greenville, SC, you can seek compensation for every penny you need from those at fault.
See your doctor and then call Smith Jordan Law
Whiplash can put you in a financial crisis if you can’t work and support yourself. Instead of worrying, schedule a free consultation with a Greenville car accident lawyer at Smith Jordan Law to discuss your legal options and find the answers you need. You will meet with a real lawyer, not an assistant, who dedicates themselves to fighting for your best interests and keeps you updated about your case every step.
When you partner with us, you also do not pay any attorney fees to us unless we secure a settlement or jury award for you. We negotiate for you with insurance companies who try to offer you too little, and we are prepared to go to trial when necessary to ensure you get the justice you deserve. Learn more about your legal options from an experienced and skilled Greenville car accident attorney when you contact us online or call (864) 343-2222 today.
