The majority of whiplash symptoms will usually appear within the first 24 hours after an accident. However, it is possible for them to take longer to show up, and it is important to seek medical attention early to rule out or identify the condition and begin recovery as soon as possible. Whiplash is a neck injury that is caused by a sudden movement of the neck back and forth, and can occur due to car accidents, physical abuse, amusement park rides, or playing very physical sports. Symptoms of whiplash can include neck pain at the site of the accident, headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, shoulder pain, and arm pain.
These symptoms may take hours or days to appear after an accident. If whiplash lasts longer than six months, it is usually classified as chronic whiplash and is treated with prescription pain relievers and ongoing physical therapy. It is important to note that not all neck sprains or strains are whiplash injuries, so it is important to seek medical attention to rule out any more serious conditions. If you have suffered a whiplash due to someone else's negligence, you may be able to seek compensation for your injury.
However, if you file an insurance claim for damages, the insurance company may reject it if you claim a whiplash injury far removed from when the accident occurred. Nowadays, cervical collars are rarely given to patients with whiplash injuries, as it is believed that restricting neck movement in a patient with whiplash may aggravate the injury and delay recovery. If you or someone you know has suffered a whiplash due to someone else's negligence, you should contact a car accident lawyer for legal advice.
