Don’t Shrug It Off: Why It Could be More Than Whiplash
When you’re in an auto accident, one of the worst things you can do is minimize your injuries. Truthfully, it’s not only about the value of your claim or lawsuit – it’s about your ability to recover and live the rest of your life without suffering from long-term pain and discomfort.
Whiplash is one of the more common injuries in auto accidents, and many people hope that painful headaches, neck aches, and backaches will fade with time. You must undergo a full medical assessment after a vehicle accident – don’t shrug it off.
What is Whiplash?
A whiplash is a form of soft tissue injury caused by your head jerking back and forth rapidly like a whip. It’s most common in rear-end accidents, and it can be challenging to diagnose because the symptoms don’t may not appear at once. Common symptoms include:
- Headache
- A stiff or immobile neck
- Neck pain
- Soreness in your neck, shoulders, and upper back
- Tingling or numbness in your arms and legs
- Drowsiness
- Memory loss
- Dizziness
- Jaw pain
Neck pain and stiffness appear within the first day or two, but other symptoms can take weeks to develop. You may find yourself in trouble if you have settled your insurance claim and then discover you are dealing with a host of other symptoms without the means to get treatment.
Long-Term Complications of Whiplash
While some people recover from whiplash within a few weeks, others suffer the pain and discomfort for months or even years. Those with prior neck injuries, as well as those who are in their later years, are especially at risk for long-term damage after whiplash. It’s not uncommon for whiplash victims to experience long-term symptoms such as:
- Chronic headaches
- Long-term reduction in neck movement
- Chronic soreness
- Spine damage
- Nerve damage
- Vertigo
These symptoms can often be treated if caught early enough. Ignoring the symptoms can make them worse and could lead to a lifetime of pain and discomfort.
What to Do After an Accident
You need to see a doctor after an injury in an auto accident, no matter how minor you think it is. The impulse to “shrug it off” can result in years of pain and discomfort without the financial support you need for treatment, or to cover lost income from work.
The value of any settlement or lawsuit is based on the degree of the injuries sustained and the long-term effects on your life and future. Compensation should provide you with the needed medical care and resource to “make your life whole” as much as is reasonably possible. The only way to accurately predict the long-term effects is by working with qualified medical practitioners – and a skilled personal injury attorney.
How a Lawyer Can Help
If you’ve been involved in an auto accident and are unsure of the value of your claim, you can always call us at (903) 207-5526. We offer a free consultation and we will answer your questions regardless of whether or not we take your case. Our knowledgeable and experienced Longview personal injury attorneys have decades of experience protecting the rights of victims, and we can help perform comprehensive case evaluations and work with your doctor to determine the level of compensation you deserve.