Whiplash can cause discomfort and lingering pain; however, this injury is unlikely to cause paralysis. Nevertheless, a victim with whiplash needs to consider the potential long-term effects of this medical diagnosis. After a car accident, a victim should also be prepared to potentially fight against insurance companies unwilling to compensate them for whiplash.
What is Whiplash?
When the head is violently jerked, whiplash may occur. This is because the muscles and ligaments in the neck are strained and stressed. Whiplash can cause vertebrae misalignment. Vertebral misalignment affects the discs but not the spinal cord and nerves.
After a car accident, a victim may feel completely normal; however, later, they may complain of migraines, neck stiffness, tingling, numbness, and difficulty moving their head. These signs can be confusing and unexpected. Whiplash often takes time to develop. This is why drivers and passengers involved in minor collisions should remain open to receiving medical treatment and not assume they are unhurt. Getting seen by a medical professional is important for a personal injury claim because the injury can be linked to the accident.
How Long Does Whiplash Typically Last?
In general, the discomfort associated with whiplash goes away with treatment and time. The exact time to heal depends on many factors, including the extent of the injury. Many people who experience whiplash need to take time off work to recover, especially if they are in occupations requiring a lot of physical movement. They may also find that it is difficult to enjoy recreational activities while they are healing.
If whiplash is accompanied by injury to the discs in the neck, the pain may be more pronounced. This can further lead to physical discomfort that seems to be amplified. In some cases, crash victims who have whiplash and vertebral damage may need to undergo surgeries to improve functions.
What Injuries Tend to Accompany Whiplash?
Whiplash is rarely the only injury that a motorist or passenger suffers after being in a car accident. Other common crash injuries include spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, back problems, shoulder problems, neck injuries, broken bones, and lacerations. Multiple injuries lead to longer periods of recovery time.
Is Paralysis Possible After an Accident?
It is conceivable that someone injured in a car accident could become partially or fully paralyzed. The paralysis would not likely stem from whiplash, but from an accompanying injury.
Common signs of potential paralysis mimic those of whiplash, including tingling, muscle spasms, reduced range of motion, numbness, and general discomfort. For this reason, drivers who experience any unusual symptomsm should immediately seek medical attention.
Can I Recover Damages for Delayed Whiplash?
Insurance companies may push back against paying for medical care and other costs related to whiplash, particularly if the whiplash was diagnosed days or weeks after the crash. Often, insurers will try to suggest that the victim did something to cause the whiplash after the accident, such as playing a contact sport with friends.
It can be difficult to challenge an insurance provider alone and without legal representation. This is why a car crash victim should work with a lawyer. An attorney knows how to help their client and recover damages to pay for medical bills and lost wages.
Atlantic City Car Accident Lawyers at the D’Amato Law Firm Assist Crash Victims with Whiplash
Whiplash can lead to chronic pain, and it is often accompanied by other serious injuries. Our Atlantic City car accident lawyers at the D’Amato Law Firm help crash victims with whiplash. We can help you get compensation for your injuries. Call us at 609-926-3300 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout South Jersey, including Atlantic City, Linwood, Galloway Township, Cape May, Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton, Ocean City, and Woodbury.