When you’re in a car accident, there’s a chance you may suffer any number of injuries. One of the most common damages from rear-end collisions is whiplash. While it may not seem like a serious injury, it’s still important to seek appropriate treatment for whiplash to avoid exacerbating the condition and potentially more severe damage.
What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash occurs when the head undergoes an abrupt forward or backward jerking motion. This type of injury is also known as neck strain or neck sprain. It’s very common in car accidents, where the sudden motion of the vehicle causes the same effects on the neck, resulting in soft tissue and other types of damages.
With extreme cases of whiplash, it’s possible for a further injury to befall the neck besides strain. These conditions can involve damage to joints, vertebral discs, ligaments, nerve roots, and cervical muscles. Because of the jerking motion of the head that causes the condition, those who suffer from whiplash may also experience spinal or traumatic brain injuries.
What Are the Symptoms of Whiplash?
Whiplash symptoms may not appear immediately after the injury has occurred. A common time frame is 24 hours or more after the initial trauma. Those with whiplash may experience one or more of these symptoms:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Pain in the shoulders or between shoulder blades
- Numbness in arms or hands
- Difficulty concentrating
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Lower back pain
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Trouble sleeping
It’s important to always seek medical attention as soon as possible after a car accident. Because of the delayed nature of whiplash symptoms, you may not recognize the condition until several days after your incident. A doctor will be able to diagnose your condition properly and recommend the appropriate treatment, as well as provide a medical record of your injuries for your claim.
What Are the Treatments for Whiplash?
Mild cases of whiplash often only need home treatment, such as rest, taking pain medication, and wearing a neck collar to prevent additional injuries. The range of motion exercises can also help recover mobility in your neck and other affected areas.
More severe whiplash injuries may require physical therapy and chiropractic care to help ease pain and regain motion. If muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues suffer damages, additional rehabilitation can help achieve proper healing. If the whiplash causes herniated discs and spinal fractures, patients may require surgery. If psychological symptoms arise, your physician may recommend a mental health professional.
Why Do I Need a Montana Whiplash Injury Attorney?
If you’re not familiar with the legal system, it can be hard to determine what counts as the appropriate amount of compensation for your injuries. Insurance companies often offer settlements that are less than fair for the extent of your damages. With a skilled Montana car accident attorney on your side, you can rest easy knowing that you’ll receive the compensation you need to properly recover.
A personal injury lawyer can also help investigate your case, determine liability, and advise you on the best course of action for your claim. Whether it’s in the courtroom or out, we at Kovacich Snipes Johnson, P.C. work with your best interests in mind, allowing you to focus on getting your life back on track.
Get the Compensation You Deserve for Your Whiplash Injury
If you or a loved one has been in a car accident and suffered a whiplash injury, you may be eligible for compensation. The car accident attorneys at Kovacich Snipes Johnson, P.C. have been aggressively defending our clients for more than three decades. For your Montana whiplash injury case, we will learn your circumstances so that we can best protect your rights. Call for a free strategy session today!
