Car accidents can cause all kinds of pain. From minor aches to something more severe. Many victims of car crashes experience neck trauma and one of the most common types of neck injuries is known as whiplash. We’ll cover how to know if you have it, what to do about it, and if you can receive compensation for this all-too-common car crash injury.
Southern California drivers who think they’re suffering from accident-related whiplash or other injuries should speak with a car accident lawyer in Temecula. They can help you navigate the legalese of California personal injury laws and ensure that you receive compensation for all of your damages.
What Is Whiplash?
An injury that’s caused by a rapid and violent back-and-forth movement of the head and neck is commonly referred to as whiplash. A common culprit for this painful condition is car accidents and is usually the result of a rear-end collision although any type of impact can result in this condition. The impact which causes the head to move rapidly back and forth strains the muscles and ligaments of the neck and shoulders.
How Do I Know If I Have Whiplash?
The effects of whiplash may not make themselves known immediately and oftentimes the car accident victim doesn’t notice any symptoms for several days. A part of why this could occur is that during times of stress, such as a car collision, the body is flooded with adrenaline and other chemicals that can mask pain. The symptoms of whiplash can include:
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Neck pain and stiffness
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Limited range of neck motion
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Headaches at the base of the skull
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Shoulder pain and tenderness
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Tingling in the arms
More severe cases of whiplash could cause:
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Dizziness
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Extreme fatigue
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Blurred vision
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Ringing in the ears
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Problems sleeping
However, without a diagnosis from a medical professional, it could remain unclear if you’ve suffered whiplash or not. Car accident victims must seek medical care promptly if they are considering filing a car accident claim. They’ll have the burden of proving injuries related to the crash, and medical documents are strong pieces of evidence.
Is There a Treatment For Whiplash?
For some with mild whiplash, over-the-counter pain medications and applying ice packs for the first few days after symptoms are noticed are all that’s needed. Car accident victims with more severe cases may require medical care to help them manage pain and regain neck flexibility and range of motion. Treatment options for all levels of whiplash can include:
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Rest
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Ice and heat packs
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Prescription pain medication
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Short-term use of muscle relaxant medication
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Lidocaine injections
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Stretching exercises
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Acupuncture treatments
Can I Receive Compensation for Whiplash After a Car Accident?
Although whiplash can be difficult to diagnose with imaging technology such as X-rays since it’s a soft tissue injury, your doctor may order imaging tests to rule out bone fractures or dislocations. The symptoms of whiplash are common and consistent, and your healthcare provider will usually diagnose it as such after ruling out more severe conditions. This isn’t to say that you can’t be compensated for whiplash and a savvy and competent personal injury attorney will ensure that it’s included in your list of damages due to the accident.
As a California car accident victim, you have the right to seek compensation for all of your injuries, whiplash being one of them. However, insurance companies will sometimes dispute the validity of whiplash but your legal team can combat this by claiming pain and suffering. Any type of pain, physical or emotional, can be included in a California personal injury lawsuit. Pain and suffering can be proved by medical records and personal statements from loved ones.
Whiplash Injuries in California Car Accidents: The Bottom Line
During the moment of impact during a car collision, drivers and occupants can feel the impact as their bodies are jolted forwards and backward. This rapid movement of the head and neck could prove to be too much for the muscles and ligaments of the head, neck, and shoulders. The result is a stiff neck, limited range of motion, and unfortunately, pain. Those involved in a rear-end collision almost undoubtedly wind up with this painful condition.
California residents who’ve been injured in a car accident that caused them bodily harm should quickly contact an experienced personal injury attorney. They’ll help you to receive the compensation you deserve.
