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Why You Must Treat Symptoms of Whiplash Immediately After a Car Crash
Did you recently suffer whiplash in a car accident? There are significant health and financial reasons to treat symptoms of whiplash immediately. Any delay could jeopardize a full recovery – both physically and economically.
Potential Complications of Whiplash
Although it often is dismissed as a “minor” injury, whiplash can have long-term health consequences for an accident victim. This neck injury can result in pain that continues for as long as several years after the accident.
Some of the symptoms of whiplash include:
- neck pain and stiffness;
- headache;
- difficulty sleeping;
- vision problems;
- fatigue;
- pain that spreads to the shoulders and arms;
- difficulty moving the head; and
- numbness or tingling in the arms.
Damage to the neck’s ligaments, joints or disks may cause long-term pain. Prompt medical attention may help alleviate immediate pain and symptoms. A doctor can work to minimize the long-term impact. A victim who delays treatment of neck pain and whiplash may be at higher risk of long-term or permanent effects of the injury.
Treatment Options for Whiplash
Whiplash is not always immediately apparent after an accident. A doctor can conduct tests and evaluations to determine if the victim has suffered whiplash. Some of these diagnostic tools include X-rays, MRI and CT scans.
Once the injury has been established, the doctor can recommend a course of treatment for the neck injury.
This may include:
- pain medication (either prescription pain relievers and/or injections at the site of the injury);
- ice or heat therapy;
- massage therapy;
- prescription muscle relaxers; and
- physical therapy.
Foam cervical collars – neck braces – have fallen out of favor as a regular treatment for whiplash injuries. A car accident victim should discuss treatment with the doctor and continue with follow-up medical care until the doctor clears the patient of injury. Victims should be sure to maintain records of all doctor and hospital visits in the event of a future tort lawsuit.
Deadlines for Seeking Accident Benefits
A car accident victim can collect Accident Benefits (otherwise known as no-fault benefits) to address certain accident-related expenses, including medical and therapeutic care, lost wages, and attendant care. There are, however, strict requirements for seeking compensation.
A victim has only seven days from the date of the accident to inform an insurance company of the crash and resultant injury. After that, the victim has only 30 days in which to file an Accident Benefits claim following receipt of the application. Any delay in applying could result in delayed medical care and jeopardize a victim’s right to compensation.
Have you recently suffered whiplash in a rear-end car accident or other motor vehicle crash in Ontario? The Preszler Injury Lawyers has more than 50 years experience helping car accident victims pursue fair and comprehensive post-accident benefits. Call 1-800-JUSTICE® or complete our confidential online form to schedule a free case evaluation.
