How Serious Is Whiplash In a Car Accident?

A car accident takes place when a negligent driver takes up the road and collides with another vehicle. The entire body of other cars has to feel a sudden force that mostly affects the neck and shoulders. However, the body, when it goes forward and backward causes the neck side. The painful condition results from a sudden snapback.

Research suggests that after an accident involving a car, most people develop whiplash injuries. When you get whiplash after a car accident, you may be asking yourself, “how serious is whiplash in a car accident?” It is dependent on the scale of injuries suffered by the patient and his overall health status.

The individual should seek advice from a doctor who can provide suitable therapy and prevent any health danger. Moreover, you can negotiate and settle for financial compensation that would enable you to pay for your medical reimbursements.

What is Whiplash Injury?  

Whiplash is a neck injury that happens when a person experiences a forceful hit to the head. The sudden force and speed put extreme pressure on the neck, which results in neck strain. It limits the movement of the neck, which makes the experience painful. Whiplash can take place in even minor and major accidents. Victims of a whiplash injury may suffer lots of pain and discomfort that become worse with time.  

If you’re suffering from painful injuries after a car accident, you need the guidance of a car accident attorney in Houston TX. A lawyer will help you seek complete compensation for your medical bills and property loss. 

Symptoms of Whiplash Injury  

Whiplash is one of the common injuries that can become the cause of severe medical conditions if left untreated. If you think that you have whiplash after a car accident, it is vital to know about the symptoms and take them seriously.  

Whiplash symptoms can be signs that indicate complicated neck or spine injury. That’s why it is essential to seek medical attention whether you experience a minor or a major accident.  

Below are some of the symptoms you must know.  

• Stiffness in neck 
• Stiffness in shoulders 
• Numbness  
• Confusion 
• Dizziness 
• Severe pain 
• Fatigue 
• Consistent pain in the neck 
• Severe headaches 
• Pain in jaw  
• Pain on face 
• Tingling sensation 
• Concussion 
• Irritability  
• Tinnitus  
• Back pain 

Remember that every victim experiences different symptoms. Some experience symptoms immediately after a car accident, and some may experience them after some days, weeks, or even months. There are some symptoms that you may not experience at the start. But with time, it will become noticeable.  

How does Whiplash Injury Affect the Body?  

When a driver experiences a sudden jerk due to the intense pressure of a car crash, it especially affects the neck area. When your body experiences sudden and intense movement, it negatively impacts the brain. The brain functions throughout the whole body; when there is an issue in the brain, the entire body will suffer. 

Moreover, the neck is the sensitive area that absorbs the pressure at the time of the accident. It gets strained when your neck has to bear a lot of pressure. Not only the neck but the back, shoulder, and spinal cord are affected. 

Whiplash can be mild to severe, depending on the severity of the incident. Even a little force to the neck can cause whiplash. Avoiding its treatment can further affect your neck and damage your spine. Thus, it is important to get immediate medical treatment to prevent any fatal risks.  

Are you suffering from whiplash injury because of someone else’s carelessness? You have the right to file a compensation for your pain and suffering. If you’re looking for a reliable lawyer, Mokaram Law Firm is here to help you at every step.  

Factors of Severity of Whiplash  

Whether the whiplash is minor or significant, it can become serious depending on the following elements.  

Force of Accident  

The force is the crucial element that becomes one of the reasons for whiplash. When victims experience extreme force, they have to suffer from major whiplash injury. In overspeeding accidents, people suffer from intense pain that has long-lasting effects. People who experience minor jerks in car accidents may get better within a few days. But people with severe injuries have to suffer for months.  

Previous Health Condition of the Victim  

If a victim is previously injured or suffering from a neck issue may experience severe whiplash. A car accident will worsen the existing medical condition. If you have a history of neck pain, you must get a medical condition to avoid any potential damage. People who avoid the treatment of whiplash may risk their neck and spinal cord for a long time.  

Delay in Medical Treatment  

After car accidents, it is essential to take emergency services to avoid life-threatening conditions. Immediate medical treatment helps to treat serious issues from the start.  

In some cases, the symptoms of whiplash don’t appear after the accident. It may need some days or some weeks to show up completely. It makes it difficult for doctors to determine the type of injury that causes a delay in the treatment.  

How Can Whiplash Injury Severity be Diagnosed?  

To know the severity of whiplash, your doctor will take all your medical history and accident details to know what happened to you. After knowing the accident details, the doctor will decide which type of medical test is required to examine the condition.  

Mostly, doctors conduct x-rays of the neck to see if there is any fracture or dislocation. Additionally, the doctor will perform an MRI and CT scan that will give a clear image of the neck. In this way, your doctor can examine the severity of whiplash injury that occurs in a car accident.  

Tips To Treat Whiplash Injury After Accident 

When doctors examine your medical condition, they prescribe you medication and treatment. But to make these treatments more effective, below are some tips you must consider.  

Try to Stay Active  

To get back to your normal life, it is important for you to stay active. Continue some of your activities that don’t affect your whiplash treatment. In this way, you’ll recover rapidly from the accident and be able to do some of your daily chores.  

Try Icing  

You can apply ice on your neck if you experience pain and swelling. Using an ice pack will help you to relieve the pain. Icing is one of the oldest methods that works great for mild swelling. But if you experience severe pain, you will need medical attention.  

Correct Posture  

To keep your back straight, it is important to keep your posture correct. Correcting your posture will help you to walk and stand without facing any pain and stiffness. 

Physiotherapy  

Physiotherapy is a process in which therapists use mild exercises to restore the body’s flexibility after injury. If you are suffering from whiplash, it is essential to take physiotherapy that will help in avoiding further damage.  

Final Thoughts 

Are you searching for a lawyer who can help you get compensation for a whiplash injury? Call us today at (281) 609-9224 to discuss your case with our experts.