As personal injury attorneys in Rock Hill, SC, we represent those who sustained injuries resulting in whiplash. Let’s say you were in a minor accident and a few days later you notice things are quite the same. For example, what if the pain in your upper back and neck creates a need for medical attention, but you’re told that there’s a chance you will not recover from the “minor” accident. This is the type of scenario in which you should contact an accident attorney.
WHAT IS WHIPLASH?
Whiplash, as defined by the Mayo Clinic is:
a neck injury due to forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck, like the cracking of a whip. Whiplash most often occurs during a rear-end auto accident, but the injury can also result from a sports accident, physical abuse or other trauma.
Common signs and symptoms of whiplash include neck pain, stiffness, and headaches. Most people with whiplash recover within a few months after a course of pain medication, exercise, and other treatments. Some people experience chronic neck pain and other ongoing complications.
Whiplash may be called a neck sprain or strain, but these terms also include other types of neck injuries.
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF WHIPLASH
According to the Mayo Clinic, you may experience some or all of the following signs and symptoms within 24 hours:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Worsening of 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 the shoulder, upper back or arms
- Tingling or numbness in the arms
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
WHAT ELSE SHOULD I DO IF I THINK I HAVE WHIPLASH?
As you consult your doctor for treatment of your injury, keep an injury journal. Write daily about pains and/or impairments. What can you no longer do without the pain that you were able to do prior to the accident? Be as detailed as possible.
- Where is the pain?
- What does it feel like?
- How were you able to relieve the pain? Prescribed medication? How long did it take before the pain returned?
- Did you experience any side effects from the medication? Dizziness? Drowsiness?
- How has the injury affected your career? Missed time from work?
SHOULD I FILE A PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM IN SOUTH CAROLINA?
Soft tissue injuries are costly and the probability exists that you may suffer from the effects of whiplash for your lifetime. Effects could include ongoing medication and/or physical therapy. The Lewis Law Firm’s experienced personal injury lawyers will guide you through the filing of a personal injury claim and gather evidence on your behalf. We will hire experts who can speak to the extent of your injuries, effectively present your claim to the insurance company, and negotiate for damages.
Lewis Law Firm in Rock Hill, SC has over 80 years of combined experience helping injury victims in the Upstate. Let the Lewis Law Firm focus on your case, negotiations, and settlement recovery while you focus on your own recovery. If you’ve been in an accident that has caused pain and impairment, call us today to schedule a free case evaluation.