What To Do If You Suffer From Whiplash Symptoms After a Car Accident

Bill Allen | September 10, 2024 | Car Accidents

What To Do If You Suffer From Whiplash Symptoms After a Car Accident

According to statistics, of the nearly 400,000 car accidents occurring in the state of Florida on a yearly basis, around 5,000 happen in Alachua County. These collisions result in the potential for thousands of accident-related injuries per year, one of the most common of which is whiplash.

Most often, whiplash is caused by the neck forcibly moving forward and then backward. Usually, it occurs during sudden acceleration or deceleration. 

Though whiplash isn’t always well understood by medical professionals, it can result in serious injuries to the muscles, discs, and other soft tissue structures in the neck. Learn what whiplash is and what you should do if you believe you might be suffering from its symptoms after an auto accident.

What Are the Symptoms of Whiplash?

Whiplash can cause varying degrees of pain and stiffness in the jaw, neck, and shoulders. However, though it is primarily a neck injury, it can affect many other areas of the body. 

For example, you may experience:

  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Lower back pain
  • Upper extremity pain or numbness
  • Problems turning your head
  • Inability to sleep

The symptoms of this common accident injury may start with mild discomfort. Due to the adrenaline rush that can happen during car accidents, you may not even notice the injury at first. However, it’s important to be aware that your symptoms may worsen with time.

Steps to Take If You’re Experiencing These Issues After a Car Accident

The actions you take in the hours and days immediately following your car accident can impact your health and possibly your financial future. Make sure you do the following if any whiplash symptoms come up after a crash.

Seek Medical Care

It’s best to see a medical doctor (preferably an orthopedic specialist) as soon as possible, even if you are only experiencing mild symptoms. Although it is possible to recover within a few weeks, up to 42% of those who develop whiplash from a car accident end up with chronic pain. 

An orthopedic doctor will be able to run the appropriate tests and scans (which might include an MRI or CT scan) to diagnose your condition. They’ll also create a customized treatment plan to start addressing your symptoms right away to give you the best possible chance of recovery. 

Call an Attorney

If you’re suffering from whiplash, you may be able to bring a claim against the responsible party for damages. These can include medical bills, lost wages, and possibly even pain and suffering. 

However, it’s important not to take any action that could jeopardize a future case, such as giving into the insurance company’s pressure to apologize or admit fault for the accident. A personal injury attorney can advise you on whether you have a claim and how to document your injuries, treatment, and lost wages should you decide to bring a suit at a later date.

Adhere To The Treatment Plan

Your doctor will likely design a treatment plan to help you get as close to a full recovery as possible. 

It’s crucial that you follow the treatment plan outlined by your doctor, which can include instructions like:

  • Wearing a neck brace
  • Seeking chiropractic care
  • Taking pain medication or injections
  • Avoiding strenuous activity at home and work
  • Attending ongoing massage or physical therapy
  • Seeing another specialist, such as a neurologist

Both your health and any legal case you bring after your car accident depend on your adherence to this plan, so make sure to follow instructions and attend all follow-up appointments.

Seeking Help Is the Key To Recovery For Injured Accident Victims

Whiplash can be a life-altering chronic injury. Just as getting help from a medical doctor can aid in your physical recovery, a lawyer will advise you on seeking recovery for suffering and monetary damages. With a full understanding of your legal rights, a knowledgeable personal injury attorney can help you plan your next steps so you can move forward in confidence.

Contact Our Gainesville Car Accident Law Firm in North Central Florida

If you need legal assistance, contact the Gainesville car accident lawyers at Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.

We have three convenient locations in North Central Florida:

Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Gainesville office
2550 SW 76th St #150
Gainesville, FL 32608
(877) 255-3652

Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Downtown Gainesville
621 W University Ave
Gainesville, FL 32601
(866) 928-6292

Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Ocala Office
112 S Pine Ave
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 351-3258