Always see a doctor after a car accident. If you have whiplash, take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen and apply ice for 15 minutes, 3-6 times per day. Follow your doctor’s recommendations for additional medications and exercise.
You should also talk to a lawyer—whiplash is a valid injury claim, and you may have a right to a settlement.
What causes whiplash?
Whiplash is a painful neck injury that’s common after car accidents, especially rear end collisions. When the impact of a collision causes your head to “whip” rapidly backward and forward, it can damage your neck. Whiplash can injure the muscles, ligaments, nerves and tissues in your neck, as well as the bones and disks in your spine.
How do I know if I have whiplash?
The best way to find out if you have whiplash is to get a diagnosis from a doctor. A doctor can examine you and can also make sure you don’t have broken bones or other injuries that might be causing or contributing to your neck pain.
You might not have any whiplash symptoms at first, but they usually begin to show up within a day or so after the accident. Some of the symptoms that may indicate you have whiplash include:
- Pain and stiffness in your neck
- Pain that gets worse when you move your neck
- Difficulty moving your neck
- Headaches and dizziness
- Numbness and tingling in your arms
- Feeling tired
Some people have additional symptoms like blurred vision, ringing in their ears, trouble with concentrating and irritability. A doctor will diagnose whiplash by checking your neck and shoulders for pain, tenderness and range of motion. A doctor may also perform texts like x-rays, CT scans and MRIs.
What should I do if I have whiplash?
Always take whiplash seriously. Some whiplash injuries lead to months or years of pain, so it Is important to see a doctor and follow your doctor’s instructions. General treatment advice includes the following:
- Use ice on your neck for the first 2-3 days, for 15 minutes at a time, up to six times a day
- Apply moist heat to your neck after the swelling has gone down, about 2-3 days after your injury
- Take over the counter painkillers like ibupofin or acetamenophin. These medications help with inflammation as well as pain. Your doctor may also prescribe prescription painkillers or muscle relaxants if your pain is severe.
- Use a neck brace for up to three hours a day, but only if your doctor recommends it. Using a neck brace for long periods of time may decrease muscle strength and make it harder for you to recover.
- Do the neck exercises your doctor recommends. Your doctor may also refer you to physical therapy.
Finally, you should get in touch with a good car accident attorney near Atlanta Georgia. A lawyer can tell you whether you can make a claim and get money to pay for your injuries.
How can a lawyer help me after a whiplash injury?
In Georgia, you are entitled to recover the full cost of your accident from the driver who caused it. This includes your medical bills, prescriptions, physical therapy costs, vehicle damage, and even money for the time you lost from work because of the accident. A lawyer is especially important if you have whiplash because whiplash has a terrible reputation as a “made up” injury. Car insurance companies may be reluctant to pay your claim, or they may offer you far less than you should receive.
A whiplash attorney can make sure you see doctors who also understand your injuries. A lawyer will use medical records, accident reports and other information to build a strong case showing that you have a real, painful injury that wasn’t your fault. A good lawyer knows how to use tough negotiation tactics to get the insurance company to pay what your claim is really worth.
Talk to an Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer for Free
Whiplash is a serious injury, and our lawyers can help you get the money you need. We don’t charge you unless we get money for you. Let us give you a FREE consultation. Call us at (404) 341-6555 or fill out the form to the right to get your free consultation today.
