520.629.9909

Symptoms of Whiplash After a Car Accident

Symptoms of Whiplash After a Car Accident

Whiplash is one of the most common types of accident injuries. Whiplash happens when the force of an accident causes a person’s head to move forward and backward extremely quickly, putting strain on the neck. The sudden movement causes the ligaments of the neck to strain or sprain, causing the condition known as whiplash.

Whiplash most often occurs in a rear-end car accident, but it can happen any time when the neck is quickly jerked further than it should be. Usually, whiplash will resolve itself in time, but the healing process may take several months and a course of pain medication.

If you or a loved one suffers from whiplash as a result of another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Your pain and suffering are real and can be proven in a court of law. Contact the Tucson vehicle accident injury lawyers of The Khalidi Law Firm to find out if you have a case.

Symptoms of Whiplash

The symptoms of whiplash may not be immediately obvious, but they usually develop within 24 hours of the accident. According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common symptoms include the following:

  • Neck pain and stiffness
  • Worsening of the pain with neck movement
  • Loss of range of motion in the neck
  • Headaches, most often starting at the base of the skull
  • Tenderness or pain in shoulder, upper back or arms
  • Tingling or numbness in the arms
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness

However, there are a number of other symptoms an individual may experience. These other signs of whiplash include blurring of the vision, ringing ears, sleeping problems, irritability, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and depression. If you or a loved one experiences these symptoms after trauma—and especially after a rear-end accident—see a doctor right away.

What to Do if You Show Signs of Whiplash

As soon as you experience symptoms of whiplash, get yourself to a doctor. It’s important that you get a professional diagnosis of your neck pain after an accident, so you can tell if you have whiplash or something worse, such as a fracture or tissue damage.

Because whiplash can take weeks or months to heal, it can fall under the category of chronic pain. Chronic pain can contribute to depression and other psychological problems, especially if it is severe enough to become debilitating. If your neck pain is severe enough, your doctor is likely to advise you to take over-the-counter painkillers or even prescription opioids.

If your whiplash causes significant pain and suffering, it may be a cause for legal action. Talk to an experienced attorney you can trust if you plan on pursuing legal options.

When Your Pain Is Caused by Negligent Actions

Should the cause of your whiplash be the neglectful actions of others, you may have a legal case. If your whiplash is the result of an accident, contact The Khalidi Law Firm. We have more than 20 years of experience helping our clients in the Tucson area get the compensation they deserve. For a review of your case, contact our compassionate and capable Tucson injury lawyers at The Khalidi Law firm. For a free consultation, call us today.