What Are the Symptoms of Whiplash From a Car Accident?
February 22, 2024
Although whiplash is a very common car accident injury, it should be treated with the utmost seriousness. The reason why whiplash can be so dangerous is that it may take some time for symptoms to begin to appear. Just because you may feel fine after a car accident does not mean you are fine. When you notice that you have suffered an injury, you have lost valuable treatment time. You should seek medical treatment immediately if you notice symptoms.
Whiplash occurs when your head snaps forward while your body remains still. The sudden and violent movement can cause severe neck and back injuries. These injuries are often not apparent immediately after the accident, and you only begin to notice symptoms in the following days.
Whiplash can lead to severe injuries, such as a herniated disk or spinal stenosis. In some cases, the symptoms of whiplash can worsen over time, especially if left untreated.
Here are some signs that you may have suffered whiplash in a car accident:
- Neck pain and stiffness.
- Worsening of pain with neck movement.
- Loss of range of motion in the neck.
There are treatments that a doctor may use to help you deal with the symptoms of whiplash. Most often, you would need to go to physical therapy to recover. In more severe cases of whiplash, your doctor may perform one or more surgical procedures.
Symptoms of a Brain Injury
Whiplash is not just an injury to your neck and back. In certain severe cases, whiplash can lead to a concussion or even worse. Signs of a brain injury from a car accident include:
- Persistent headaches
- Mood changes
- Trouble sleeping
- Sensitivity to light
- Confusion
- Nausea
Brain injuries may worsen if left untreated.
Seek Medical Help After a Car Accident
Even if you do not notice any symptoms, it is important to see a doctor to get checked out to ensure you are completely healthy. In a best-case scenario, the doctor will tell you everything is okay and to return if you notice any symptoms.
The insurance company looks closely to see what you have done to help yourself medically. If you waited too long to seek medical help after noticing symptoms of whiplash, the insurance company may claim that the driver was not the sole cause of your injury. They may use your inaction as an excuse to try to cut the compensation you are owed. Thus, it is vital that you take action as soon as you realize you may be suffering from symptoms of whiplash.
Contact Our Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton if You Have Whiplash
If you have suffered a car accident injury such as whiplash, contact our Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. Call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation.
We have offices in Baltimore, Glen Burnie, Lanham, and Owings Mills, allowing us to represent clients in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.