How long a whiplash injury lasts after a car accident will depend on many factors unique to your situation. Factors like age, weight, and pre-existing health conditions could determine how long it takes for you to recover from your impairment. Mayo Clinic reports that, in general, whiplash heals within a few weeks. Additionally, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke says that most people heal from whiplash within a three-month period.
With medications and exercise, a person can regain their full range of motion and relieve discomfort. However, people with severe whiplash may face a longer recovery time.
Some Instances of Whiplash Are Chronic
Mayo Clinic notes that the severity of your initial symptoms will determine your recovery period. For instance, following your car accident, if you were in severe pain or had a limited range of motion in your arms, you could face a longer recovery period than someone who did not experience these symptoms.
If you had whiplash before, this could also extend the amount of time it takes for your injury to heal. According to the Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, if a person gets whiplash a second time, then they may have worse symptoms than they did the first time around.
Additionally, pre-existing lower back or neck pain, combined with a high-speed impact, could also impede your ability to recover in a timely manner.
For a free legal consultation, call (614) 538-1116
For a free legal consultation, call (614) 538-1116
Symptoms of Whiplash Following a Car Accident
You may suspect that you have whiplash following a car accident but may not be 100% sure. You should consult with a medical doctor regarding your condition. After a collision, you may think that you have whiplash when really, you could have a more serious condition, like a fracture.
Some symptoms of whiplash include:
- Muscle weakness
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- A limited range of motion in the neck, arms, shoulders, or legs
- Fatigue
- Headaches
You may also experience problems sleeping and remembering certain things.
Related: How Do Truck Accident Claims and Lawsuits Work?
Treatments for Whiplash After a Car Accident
The type of treatment that you receive for your condition could also determine how long your condition lasts. Healthline notes that most cases of whiplash can be treated with over-the-counter pain relief medications, ice, and light physical therapy. However, for more severe conditions, you may need more intensive forms of treatment.
For instance, your doctor may suggest that you use a foam collar to immobilize the affected area. This will help keep your neck stable and prevent any further injuries from happening. Additionally, your healthcare team may also suggest that you improve your posture and learn techniques that can relieve muscle tension.
You may also find relief by seeking chiropractic care, massages, electronic nerve stimulation, and acupuncture. Surgery is rarely necessary for whiplash.
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Related: How do I Look Up an Accident Report?
Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today
You Can Recover Compensation for Your Accident-Related Losses
Whiplash can happen in any situation that causes the muscles in the neck to jerk beyond their usual range of motion. Some situations that can cause whiplash include sport-related accidents and assaults. However, rear-end collisions are one of the major causes of whiplash.
Your accident was likely the result of driver error, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). If so, you may be able to recover compensation from the at-fault driver or their insurer. A lawyer in Dublin, OH, may be able to help you recover the cost of your expenses.
Financial recovery could account for the following damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical bills
- Loss of future earning power
- Lost wages
- Property damage expenses
A lawyer can determine the cause of your accident, calculate the cost of your damages, and fight for financial recovery on your behalf. You generally have as little as two years to file a car accident lawsuit in Ohio, per Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.10.
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Related: Is a Truck Driver Given a Drug Test If He or She Causes an Accident in Ohio?
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Call Bressman Law for Help with Your Car Accident Case
Now that you understand how long whiplash lasts after a car accident, you may be interested to learn about your legal options. David Bressman of Bressman Law has over 30 years of experience serving injured parties and their families in Ohio. We can help you pursue compensation from the party that caused you to get hurt.
Some of our legal services include:
- Gathering evidence of negligence
- Estimating the cost of your expenses
- Consulting with healthcare professionals about your injury
- Negotiating a settlement
- Interviewing witnesses
- Filing a lawsuit in civil court
We offer all of our prospective clients free initial case reviews. We encourage you to tell us about your injury, financial losses, and collision. Any information that you give us could help us determine whether you have a viable case. To start exploring your legal options, call Bressman Law at (614) 538-1116.
Call or text (614) 538-1116 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
Call or text (614) 538-1116 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
