Whiplash is one of the most common injuries people suffer in car accidents. The neck injury may not be life-threatening, but it can cause chronic pain and other complications without prompt treatment. That’s why it’s essential to seek medical care promptly.
Common Whiplash Symptoms
Whiplash occurs when the head is jerked back and forth suddenly. The extreme force can cause trauma to the neck area. Common symptoms of whiplash include neck pain and stiffness, dizziness, headaches, blurred vision and shoulder pain. It is not uncommon for whiplash symptoms to now show up until days after a car accident.
Common Whiplash Treatments
If you get medical attention promptly, there is a better chance that you can successfully treat whiplash. The type of treatment you receive will depend on the severity of your condition. Here are common whiplash treatments:
- Rest. Since your neck went through trauma, your doctor will advise you to take it easy for a couple of days. Avoid strenuous activities and try to rest.
- Medication. Whiplash often causes pain, so you may be directed to take over-the-counter pain medication, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If your pain is more severe, your doctor may prescribe prescription pain medication. Your doctor may also prescribe muscle relaxants, which can loosen tight muscles and relieve pain.
- Physical therapy. In some cases, doctors may recommend physical therapy for whiplash. In physical therapy, a trained therapist can show you various stretching and movement exercises for your neck. If you perform these exercises regularly, you may restore range of motion in your neck and feel better.
Evidence to Support a Whiplash Injury Claim
If you suffered whiplash in a car accident caused by another driver, you may be entitled to compensation. However, in order to obtain that compensation, you must have sufficient evidence. Whiplash can’t be detected through x-rays and other diagnostic exams, so they are more difficult to prove than other injuries, but not impossible. Here are some important pieces of evidence to have in your whiplash injury claim:
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- Medical bills
- Photos of the accident scene
- Police reports
- Witness statements
Statute of Limitations to File a Whiplash Injury Claim
If you plan to file a whiplash injury claim, it is important to find out what the statute of limitations are in your state. In North Carolina, the statute of limitations to file a personal injury claim is three years from the date of the injury. Although that might seem like a long time, you should not procrastinate. It’s important to get in touch with an experienced car accident lawyer area residents trust, like the team at Schehr Law PLLC, to discuss your case.
Your lawyer will help you bring a timely claim against the negligent party and look out for your best interests. He or she knows the true value of your case and will handle negotiations with the insurance company. You will have a higher chance of obtaining a fair settlement with a lawyer on your side.