The Dangers of Whiplash After a Car Accident

“Whiplash” is the more commonly-known name for a neck sprain caused by the head whipping forward and backward forcefully. The forces involved in a car accident can easily cause whiplash, which is one reason the injury is commonly linked to car crashes.

Whiplash is particularly dangerous because the symptoms of the damage may take 24 hours or more to manifest fully. You may walk away from the accident scene thinking you were lucky to escape injury, only to realize as the hours pass that you’re in pain, dizzy, nauseated, or suffering other symptoms.

Common symptoms of whiplash include:

• Neck stiffness
• Loss of range of motion in the neck
• Neck pain that gets worse when you move
• Headaches, which may start at the base of the skull
• Pain in the shoulders, upper back, or arms
• Tingling or numbness in the shoulders or arms
• Fatigue or sleep problems
• Dizziness or nausea
• Problems with attention, concentration, memory, or mood

Some patients also experience problems with sight or hearing, like blurred vision or ringing in the ears. A proper diagnosis can confirm whether your symptoms are caused by whiplash or another car accident injury, like a concussion.

It is important to see a doctor after any accident that might result in whiplash. Whiplash causes the symptoms listed above due to damage to the muscles, tendons, nerves, or bones in the neck. Without proper treatment, many of these symptoms can become chronic or permanent, leading to loss of mobility, chronic pain, and other problems that can severely limit the injured person’s quality of life.

If you’ve been in a car accident and are now experiencing the symptoms of whiplash, call a doctor or seek medical attention as soon as possible. Once you’ve received treatment for your injuries, talk to an experienced Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer who can help you seek the compensation you need for the harm you’ve suffered. Contact Matzus Law, LLC today.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney/client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.