It's unfortunate, but many injury victims fail to take whiplash seriously after a rear-end auto accident. If an injury doesn't seem severe enough to seek medical attention, they may simply try to walk it off, assuming the pain will simply go away in time. However, it is important that accident victims understand how serious this type of injury can be, especially if left untreated.
Whiplash is most commonly caused by rear-end traffic accidents, which can happen just about anywhere on the road. You could be rear-ended by a distracted driver while stopped at a traffic light. You could be struck by a speeding driver when traffic jams up on a highway or major road.
What is whiplash and what are the symptoms?
According to Spine Universe, whiplash happens when a person's head jerks backward and forward in a whip-like motion. While injury victims may not feel any immediate pain after a rear-end accident, whiplash can damage the muscles and ligaments in the neck and upper back.
Symptoms often first appear days after an injury. If you experience any of the following complications, whiplash could be the cause:
- Neck and upper back spasms
- Neck pain with movement
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Difficulty chewing and/or swallowing
- Burning or tingling sensations
- Chronic pain in shoulders and upper back
Seek medical attention, even if it seems minor
If whiplash goes untreated, symptoms can persist or worsen over time. That's why it's crucial to always seek immediate medical attention after an auto accident. During a thorough medical evaluation, your doctor may discover complications that you were not aware of before your exam.
Furthermore, whiplash may hinder your ability to engage in certain activities or perform certain job functions. Even worse, the insurance company representing an at-fault driver may attempt to downplay your injuries. They might try to convince you that it's not worth the hassle.
We know the truth. The personal injury attorneys at Hocker & Associates LLC have seen how debilitating whiplash can be for injury victims. Don't put your claim in jeopardy by discussing your rear-end accident with an insurance company. Anything you tell them will be used against you.
Trust us to handle your claim while you focus on your recovery. Contact us today to learn how we can help you.