Anyone who has ever ridden a roller coaster can attest to the sensation of the head being snapped back and forth quickly, much like a whip, as a result of the ride starting or stopping abruptly, or making a turn quickly. In a car accident, a similar sensation may occur. Sometimes, this results in a whiplash injury – one of the most common car accident injury types.
At the law office of El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, our Los Angeles car accident lawyers can assist you in pursuing damages after suffering a whiplash injury in a car accident. Here’s an overview of what you should know about whiplash and how long a whiplash injury typically lasts after a car accident–
Do You Think You Have Whiplash?
If you think that you have whiplash, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms and to seek medical care. Some of the most common symptoms of whiplash include:
- Neck pain;
- Neck stiffness;
- Fatigue;
- Dizziness;
- Tingling or numbness;
- Loss of neck mobility; and
- Headache.
Treatment for Whiplash
There are various different treatment options that your doctor may employ depending on your preferences and the severity of your condition. These treatment options may include the use of anti-inflammatory over-the-counter medication, prescription medication, muscle relaxers, or physical therapy and exercises.
Alternative medicines, like acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic care may also be used. Note that insurance companies often deny claims involving alternative treatments, so it’s important to ensure that these treatments will be covered by your insurer before you seek them.
Healing Timeline and Long-term Complications
While whiplash can be very painful and temporarily disabling, the good news is that whiplash rarely results in long-term complications. In fact, in most cases, neck pain will subside within a few days to a few months; it is rare for complications to extend beyond eight weeks.
If you are still having neck pain after a few months, it’s very important that you work with a doctor who is experienced in cases like yours. The Mayo Clinic reports that having had whiplash before, being older, and having existing back pain can make a whiplash injury more serious/last longer.
Call Our Experienced Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyers Today
While most cases of whiplash will clear up with treatment and time, some whiplash cases are more complicated and severely affect victims for multiple months. When this is the case, an individual may be unable to work or perform other activities they love, and the medical bills and lost wages may start to pile up. At the office of El Dabe Trial Lawyers, our Los Angeles car accident attorneys care about you and care about you being compensated for your harm. To learn more about how our lawyers will fight for your right to your full compensation award after you’ve sustained whiplash in a car accident, please call us today. Our process begins with a free consultation, and we always work on a contingency fee basis.