If you were involved in a rear-end collision and now your neck hurts, you may have the injury known as “whiplash”. Whiplash is a serious injury that is associated with sudden impacts that cause a person’s body to move forward while their head remains in place. When the head follows, it does so with a whip-like motion that can cause sudden and severe extension and bending of the neck. In medical terms, this is referred to as hyperextension, hyperflexion, or a cervical strain.
Whiplash has several symptoms in addition to a sore neck. When seeking medical treatment following a car accident, it is important to tell your doctor about all of the problems and pain you are experiencing. In addition to helping ensure that you receive proper treatment, this can also improve your chances of receiving maximum financial compensation for your injuries. The symptoms of whiplash include:
Most of these symptoms will manifest within 24 hours of the accident. It can typically take weeks or months to fully recover depending on the severity of the collision. However, in serious auto accidents, whiplash injuries can lead to chronic pain and other long-term conditions.
Non-permanent whiplash injuries will gradually heal. However, the healing process takes time, and can interfere with your job and other day-to-day activities. Between doctor visits and prescription costs, it can also be quite expensive. Treatment for whiplash injuries typically involves:
You should speak with your doctor before undertaking any treatment or medication regimen. If your doctor advises you to rest, you should rest. If someone else was at fault in the accident, your attorney will be able to help you obtain compensation for your missed time from work (along with your medical expenses and other losses).
The Chicago auto accident attorneys at Malman Law have years of experience helping clients obtain financial compensation for whiplash injuries. To learn more about what we can do to help, please contact us today.