Whiplash is a soft tissue neck injury that will often occur in a car accident when the victim’s head is suddenly jolted backward and forwards. The sudden movement can damage the soft tendons, ligaments, and muscles in your neck as a result of being stretched beyond their typical range of motion. Many people who are involved in an auto accident will suffer from a whiplash injury. Oftentimes many people will not even realize that they have suffered whiplash until hours or even days after the accident.
Long-Term Effects of Whiplash
If left untreated, whiplash can have long-term symptoms including:
- Dizziness
- Pain and stiffness in the neck or shoulders
- Upper or lower back pain
- Jaw pain
- Severe headaches
- Ringing in the ears
- Concentration and memory problems
- Blurred vision
- Irritability.
Those who fail to seek medical attention as soon as the accident has occurred will run the risk of experiencing whiplash symptoms for much longer than those who get immediate attention. If you’ve been involved in a hit and run incident, consulting with a hit and run lawyer can help you understand your legal options.
What Should I Do If I Think I have Whiplash?
If you were in an auto accident and hurt your neck or back, it is critical that you seek medical attention as soon as possible. It may take 24 hours to develop symptoms of whiplash. Talk to your doctor about the best treatment and take notes on every appointment and treatment in case you want to file a personal-injury claim against the negligent driver.
How Long Will It Take To Recover From Whiplash?
Seeking treatment early for whiplash is recommended. Delaying treatment can reduce its effectiveness in some cases. If whiplash is diagnosed right away, recovery should take between 6-8 weeks. Keep in mind that every case is different and may not all heal at the same pace.
If you or a loved one has suffered whiplash from a car accident, contact an experienced auto accident attorney from The Cochran Firm Philadelphia today for a free consultation at 800-969-4400.