Whiplash is a type of injury that occurs when sudden force jerks the head back and forth, causing the soft tissues of the neck to stretch past their normal range of motion. The sudden force of this movement can strain or tear the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.

Although a common injury, whiplash can be incredibly serious, especially when left untreated. If you or a loved one have suffered from a whiplash injury because of the negligence of another party, you can file a claim or lawsuit to recover damages. Here’s what you need to know about the dangers of whiplash, treating the injury, and recuperating money for medical bills and other damages. 

Is Whiplash a Serious Injury?

If you’re wondering, “Is whiplash dangerous,” the short answer is “sometimes.” The overall significance of the injury will depend on a variety of factors, such as your age, medical history, and the amount of force your neck sustained in the accident. 

Neck injuries in general have the potential to be incredibly serious or even fatal because they may impact your spinal cord. Even if you think you only have whiplash, you could have suffered from a spinal fracture in your neck, which can lead to complete paralysis or even death. If a fracture in your neck goes untreated, a sharp piece of a broken bone could sever your spinal cord, leading to catastrophic or fatal results. For that reason, it’s absolutely critical to receive medical attention promptly after a crash. 

Additionally, your whiplash injury may make you more susceptible to future neck injuries, and the longer you wait to receive treatment, the more serious your condition may become. 

If you notice any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Reduced range of motion 
• Headaches, which often start at the base of the skull
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Shoulder and back pain
• Trouble chewing and swallowing
• Voice hoarseness
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Ringing in your ears
• Difficulty with concentration and memory
• Irritability or mood changes
• Trouble falling and staying asleep

Whiplash symptoms may not appear immediately following a car accident and may take hours or even days to become noticeable.

Treating a Whiplash Injury

Your medical treatment will depend on the severity of your whiplash injury and if it indicates other problems, such as a spinal fracture. First, medical professionals will diagnose the extent of your injuries, and their diagnostic tools may include:

• Physical examination: A healthcare provider will typically evaluate your range of motion, muscle strength, and any tender areas or swelling in the neck and shoulders.

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Medical professionals may use an MRI to diagnose soft tissue injuries, such as torn ligaments and herniated discs. 

• X-ray: Your healthcare provider will typically only use an X-ray if they suspect that you sustained a fracture in your neck. 

• CT scan: Like with X-rays, medical professionals will likely not use this diagnostic tool unless they suspect a more serious injury. CT scans use a beam of X-rays to create detailed images of the inside of the body, making it ideal for identifying spinal fractures and dislocations. 

After identifying the severity of your condition, medical professionals will determine your ideal treatment plan. The majority of whiplash cases only require prescription medications — non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, and opioids — a neck brace, and physical therapy, but if these options prove ineffective, doctors may suggest:

• Alternating heat and cold therapy
• Electrical stimulation
• Traction device
• Trigger point massage
• Epidural steroid injection
• Surgery

How Long Does It Take to Recover From Whiplash?

The amount of time it takes to recover from whiplash differs from person to person and will depend on the severity of the injury, your medical treatments, age, and any previous neck injuries or conditions. 

Fortunately, the majority of people will recover from whiplash within a few weeks, but others may struggle with the condition for months or even years. 

Recovering Compensation After a Whiplash Injury

If your neck injury was caused by another party, such as a negligent driver, you need to file an insurance claim or lawsuit against them to recover compensation. Even if your whiplash is minor, you’ll still likely need to pay for a doctor’s visit and diagnostic tests, and you shouldn’t have to pay out of pocket for an injury that wasn’t your fault. 

Suffering from a severe case of whiplash may require incredibly expensive medical treatments, and the condition can also impact other facets of your life, such as your ability to work, your mental and emotional state, and your ability to enjoy life. Luckily, you have every right to seek additional damages against a negligent driver besides medical bills. Depending on your case, you may be able to recover money for vehicle damages, lost wages, loss of future earnings, pain and suffering, and all past and future medical bills caused by the accident. 

Recovering the damages you deserve after a car accident can be challenging, especially because insurance companies will attempt to undervalue the extent and severity of your neck injury. For that reason, it’s critical to hire an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you with your case and fight on your behalf. 

For expert legal representation for a whiplash injury, contact the Indianapolis car accident lawyers at Poynter & Bucheri Accident Recovery Attorneys at Law. We offer our potential clients FREE case reviews, so don’t hesitate to schedule your review here or by calling 1-800-265-9881.